HC Deb 08 May 1928 vol 217 cc167-9
27. Captain GARRO-JONES

asked the Postmaster-General by whom postage stamps, bill stamps, and other such documents are printed and on what terms; when the last contract was allotted; and how many firms tendered?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

The bulk of postage stamps, entertainments duty stamps, and insurance stamps are printed by Messrs. Waterlow and Sons, under a contract running for ten years from the 1st January, 1924. High value postage stamps (2s. 6d. and upwards) are printed by Messrs. Bradbury, Wilkinson and Company under a contract originally concluded for three years from the 1st August, 1918, and now running from year to year. Four tenders were received for the former, and six for the latter contract. Sixpenny postage stamps, Inland Revenue stamps and a few insurance stamps are printed at Somerset House by the Inland Revenue Stamping Department.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the disclosures which have come to light in the case of "Waterlow and another," and learn any lesson which is to be learned from those facts?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think that is a reference to a legal case now before the Courts.

Captain GARRO-JONES

May I submit that the legal case has a direct reference to my question on the Paper? In that case it came to light that certain firms conspired not to tender—

Mr. SPEAKER

I am under the impression that there is a case on this point before the Courts which has not yet concluded.

HON. MEMBERS

It has concluded.

Mr. SPEAKER

I did not know that.

Captain GARRO-JONES

May I therefore, ask the Postmaster-General whether he will examine the facts which have come to light in that case of "Waterlow and another," and see whether he cannot do anything to ensure that such malpractices will not occur again if he can help it?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I have already told the hon. and gallant Gentleman—of course, I am not accepting any statement of alleged facts; obviously, it would not be proper to do so—that this particular contract was concluded for the first time in 1924 and has a currency of 10 years. I do not know, because I have not examined it, whether when the con- tract was entered into provision was made for its determination at an earlier date, but, as the hon. Member has asked me, I will look into it.

Major PRICE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the terms of the contract are being carried out?