§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the trading accounts of the Government printing works at Harrow, Hare Street, and Cricklewood for the last certified period show that profits have accrued to the State; and, if so, will he state the gross and net profit earned by each of the three establishments?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)The last certified accounts, covering the year ended 31st March, 1925 show the following profits: Harrow—gross profit, £92,679, net profit, £63,219; Hare Street—£18,643 and £7,139; Cricklewood—£12,585 and £5,928. Total gross profit,£123,908; net profit, £76,286.
§ Mr. NAYLORDoes the right hon. Gentleman regard those returns on State trading as satisfactory?
§ Mr. McNEILLI have no reason to think them unsatisfactory.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERHas the net profit been ascertained after provision for sinking fund as well as interest?
§ Mr. McNEILLThat I could not answer without notice.
§ Sir J. NALLIn assessing these profits, has the work done for the various Departments been charged at rates which would have been charged by contractors, or have higher prices been credited to the Stationery Office?
§ Mr. McNEILLI should require notice of that also.