HC Deb 11 July 1939 vol 349 cc2056-7
55. Mr. Davidson

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total cost of Government printing contracts for the year ended March, 1938, and the amount of such contracts allocated to Scottish printing firms?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

The total expenditure from the Stationery Office Vote in respect of printing contracts for the year ended March, 1938, amounted to £1,208,666. Of this amount, £8,200 was in respect of contracts allocated to Scottish printing firms in that year, and £40,500 was in respect of running contract's allocated to such firms in previous years.

Mr. Davidson

Is the Financial Secretary aware that the printing industry in Scotland is showing increased unemployment figures; and will he carefully consider any representations that may be made to him that a sub-section of His Majesty's Stationery Office should be established in Scotland to deal with Scottish printing?

Captain Crookshank

I will certainly consider carefully any representations that may be made to me.

Sir H. Williams

In view of the principle involved in this question, will my right hon. and gallant Friend arrange with the First Lord of the Admiralty to transfer from the Clyde to the banks of the River Wandle, which rises in Croy-don, some of the naval shipbuilding contracts?