§ 24. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the cost of printing the telephone directories for the two last years; and, in view of the fact that no public tenders have been invited since the work was assigned to the State printing factory in 1920, will he consider the advisability of giving public printing firms an opportunity to submit competitive tenders?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe cost of printing (including the cost of binding, paper, and Stationery Office distribution) the telephone directories for the two last years is:
833 The advisability of inviting competitive tenders will be considered on the termination of the present contract, which runs for 10 years.
£ 1925 … … … 149,362 1926 … … … 170,710
§ Colonel WOODCOCKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a saving of many thousands would be effected if this were put out to public tender; and would not this be desirable especially at a time when economy in the State is being demanded?
§ Mr. McNEILLI am not at all sure that that would be the case, but it would not justify a breach of contract.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman in a position to state from memory the amount received from advertisements?
§ Mr. McNEILLNo, I would like to have notice of that question.