§ 41. Mr. DAYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can give statistics as to the number of typewriters of foreign origin that are at present in use in Government Departments; and the number of these that were purchased previous to June, 1929?
§ Mr. PETHICK - LAWRENCEThe number of typewriters of foreign origin that are at present in use in Government Departments is approximately 18,400. The number of these that were 346 purchased previous to June, 1929, is 18,293.
§ Mr. DAYDoes not that show that the large number of foreign typewriters in Government Departments were purchased by the late Government?
§ Mr. PETHICK - LAWRENCE; Undoubtedly the great bulk were bought during the War, or immediately after. The number purchased during the last 18 months is little over 100, and many of them are of a particular kind which are not available in this country.