HC Deb 11 July 1927 vol 208 c1722
15. Colonel DAY

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of typewriters used in the principal offices, respectively, of the Dominions Office, the Empire Marketing Board, and the Overseas Settlement Office, and the country of origin of these machines?

Mr. AMERY

I have had inquiries made, and find that the typewriting machines at present in use are, for the most part, of foreign origin, apart from those in the offices of the Empire Marketing Board, most of which are of English make. I can, of course, assure the hon. and gallant Member that, so far as is consistent with the general policy of His Majesty's Government (as to which, I would refer him to an answer given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on the 22nd February, 1926), I shall endeavour to arrange that the existing foreign machines are replaced, when the time comes, by machines of British make.

Colonel DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any foreign machines have been bought since 1918?

Mr. AMERY

I cannot be certain. My recollection is that a large stock has yet to be worked off.

Colonel DAY

Is it the intention to buy British machines to replace them as they are worked off?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, Sir. I think so.