§ 58. Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is intended to comply with the recommendation of the Committee of Inquiry into Government printing establishments, made in March last, to close the Government printing establishment in Hare Street, Bethnal Green; whether the Government printing works at Harrow are being extended, notwithstanding that the Committee recommended that no further capital expenditure should be made at these works; and whether he is satisfied that the maintenance of either of these Government establishments is not a burden on national expenditure.
Mr. SAMUELWith regard to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on the 15th November by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in reply to a question from the hon. Member for the Isle of Thanet (Mr. Harmsworth). The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the third part of the question, I agree with the finding of the Committee of Inquiry into Government printing establishments, that "a substantial saving has been secured for the relief of the general taxpayer through the existence of the Government printing works."
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKCan the hon. Member say whether steps have been taken to obtain tenders from private firms, to see how their prices compare with those of the Stationery Office?
§ Colonel GRETTONIs the Treasury taking notice of the recommendation that these existing works should not be extended?
Mr. SAMUELI think my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said the other day that he is giving close attention to this matter.
§ Mr. HARRISIs not the production of the OFFICIAL REPORT at Hare Street one of the most remarkable printing results, both in time and accuracy, achieved by any printing works in the country?