HC Deb 14 December 1922 vol 159 cc3119-20
82 and 96. Sir A. HOLBROOK

asked (1) the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the criticisms of the Auditor-General on the new method adopted in placing work with the Stationery Office printing works without obtaining competitive tenders and the desirability of having the work done under the most economical conditions, His Majesty's Government will give instructions that no further orders are to be placed with the Government printing works without first obtaining competitive tenders from printers and the Government factories according to the former practice;

(2) whether the new system referred to in the Auditor-General's Report on Trading Accounts, 1920–21, by which work is placed with the Stationery Office printing works without first obtaining competitive prices for work, has the approval of His Majesty's Government?

Mr. BALDWIN

My hon. and gallant Friend is, I think, under a misapprehension. The Comptroller and Auditor-General merely called attention to the change without offering any criticisms. The new arrangement has been adopted after full consideration of all the circumstances as the best method of ensuring that the Harrow Printing Works are run at the most efficient level; and I am not prepared to revert to the previous arrangement pending the result of the inquiry into the whole matter which will be undertaken next year.

Sir A. HOLBROOK

Is it not a fact that Harrow Printing Works are costing the nation several thousand pounds a year loss?

Mr. BALDWIN

I do not think that is so. It has shown a loss, but at present it is not showing a loss.