§ 34. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the costs and efficiency of British business are seriously affected by the present scarcity of British typewriters; and whether, in view of this and that typewriters are to some extent being imported into this country from Germany, he will arrange for a larger proportion of British output of typewriters to be made available in this country.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. G. R. Strauss)The export target for British 1260 typewriters was reduced some months ago to 25 per cent. of production, as the home demand for them was greater than the supply. This reduction in exports and the expected increase in home production should ease the position.
§ Mr. JannerIs my right hon. Friend aware that the position has not eased, and that there is still a very large demand for these typewriters; and, in view of the fact that British typewriters are both better and cheaper than the imported ones, will he not do something further in the matter?
§ Mr. StraussI think the position has eased, and that there will be a substantial increase in the supply of these typewriters in the coming months.
§ Commander NobleIs the Minister aware that the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, who at this moment is sitting on one of the back benches with, perhaps, some significance, told me in April this year that at least 10,000 British typewriters had been ordered by and supplied to Government Departments, and could he tell us what is the present position with regard to typewriters ordered for Government Departments?
§ Mr. StraussNo, Sir, not without notice.