§ 25. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Labour how many typewriters are used by the clerical staff in his Department, and how many of these typewriters are of British make?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe total number of typewriters in use in offices of the Ministry at 1st June, 1925, was 969. None of them is of British make. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right 393 hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. and gallant Member for the Basingstoke Division on 22nd February.
§ Colonel DAYWhen the present typewriters are worn out, will the right hon. Gentleman replace them with British machines?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIf the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the answer I have mentioned, he will find in it much of the information that he requires.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNone of them, so far as I am aware.
§ Colonel DAYHow many were ordered previously by the Conservative Government?
Lieut.-Colonel WATTS-MORGANWill the right hon. Gentleman give some assurance that he will have regard to the Brighton speech of the Prime Minister with regard to this matter?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI always have regard to any speeches of the Prime Minister.
Sir F. HALLDoes the question put down by the hon. and gallant Member indicate that the Labour party at last appreciate that it is advisable, to buy British goods?
§ Mr. STEPHENCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that in future all typewriters in his Department will be of British make?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI should certainly be prepared to ask the proper Department to have regard to British makes, provided that they are sufficiently good, as I have no doubt they would be.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEDoes this not show the necessity for the safeguarding of industries?