§ 7. Colonel DAYasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of typewriters used at the headquarters of his Department, giving the country of origin of these machines?
Sir P. CUNLIFFIE-LISTERThe number of typewriters referred to is 381. 379 were manufactured in the United States, one in the United Kingdom and one in Canada. As explained by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Government Departments are using up foreign typewriters purchased during the War.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Financial Secretary to the Treasury said that many typewriters have been purchased since 1918, and how does he make these figures consistent with the policy of "Buy British Goods"?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe position is this, that an enormous number of foreign typewriters were bought during the War, enough, I believe, to last the Department for another two years owing to the great economy in the reduction of staffs. But, in future, as new typewriters are required, every effort is made, under the present dispensation, to buy British typewriters.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that only last week the Financial Secretary to the Treasury said that a considerable number of foreign typewriters have been purchased since 1918?
Sir P. CUNLIFFEI-LISTERYes, but my Department is so economical that they go on using the old ones until they are worn out.