§ 42. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Postmaster-General whether the printing of the telephone directory has ever been submitted for public competition; and, if so, what was the last date that this was done?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)My information is to the effect that in 1888 the contract to print the directory issued 25 by the National Telephone Company was awarded as the result of public competition. On the transfer of that company's property to the State in 1912, the printing of the telephone directories was continued in the hands of the previous contractor until 1920, when the work was assigned to the State printing factory.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKIn view of the increased charges since the date the right hon. Gentleman last mentioned, will he in future ask for public tenders?
§ Mr. McNEILLI cannot say that.