HC Deb 24 February 1931 vol 248 cc1951-2
52. Mr. OSWALD LEWIS

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any typewriters of foreign manufacture have been purchased by the Stationery Office during the year 1930; and what was the total cost of such machines?

Mr. PETHICK - LAWRENCE

A limited number of typewriters of foreign manufacture have been purchased by the Stationery Office during the year 1930 at a cost of £2,002. These machines are special types for which no suitable British-made substitutes are at present available.

53. Mr. LEWIS

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any calculating machines of foreign manufacture were purchased by the Stationery Office during the year 1930; and what was the cost of such machines?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

During the year 1930, £3,310 was spent by the Stationery Office on calculating machines wholly manufactured abroad and £6,637 on machines assembled in this country from parts manufactured abroad.

Mr. LEWIS

Am I to understand that in this case no suitable British machines were available?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

Yes, that is so.