§ Mr. TOUCHEasked whether orders for gumming plant for the new postage stamps were placed in Germany?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI have already informed the hon. Member that as by an oversight in the contract no restriction was placed on the contractors as to the origin of their machinery, some of that machinery was ordered from abroad, and amongst others the gumming plant. With regard to the gumming and calendering machinery, it is understood that there is no such British made machinery available, and that Messrs. Harrison made every possible inquiry of British manufacturers, who in many cases referred them to Continental firms.