§ 73. Mr. Roland Robinsonasked he Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the estimated capital expenditure on purchase of machinery for the Stationery Office printing works for 1938 shows an increase of over 33 per cent. as against 1937; by how much does this estimated expenditure of £44,000 exceed the amount of depreciation allowed in, he accounts for 1937; and why this increase in plant has been sanctioned in view of the recommendations of the last statutory inquiry on the subject which opposed further extension of the Stationery Office printing works?
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)Of the total estimated capital expenditure on the purchase of machinery for the Stationery Office printing works in 1938, about £30,000 is required for replacements. This figure compares with £26,000 which was provided for the same purpose in the 1937 Estimates. The amount to be allowed for depreciation in the 1937 Trading Accounts is still subject to consideration. The balance of £14,000 provided in the 1938 Estimates is required for expansion of the telephone directory. This is in no way inconsistent with the recommendations of the Gretton Committee, which recognised that special work of first-rate importance such as the directory should be undertaken by the State printing works.