§ 24. Mr. Braineasked the Postmaster-General what requests he has received from overseas Governments for advice on the subject of telephone-purchasing policy; and what has been the nature of the advice given.
§ Mr. BevinsTwenty countries have consulted the Post Office on telephone purchasing policy. They have been informed of the arrangements operating in this country. Seven countries have adopted arrangements on similar lines. Five other countries are also being helped with technical and costing advice.
§ Mr. BraineDoes not that reply mean that officers of my right hon. Friend's Department are in fact advising other Governments—Colonial and Commonwealth Governments—to buy their supplies from the existing ring suppliers? Is that a practice which ought to be encouraged? If it is a practice that exists at all, would not my right hon. Friend think it wiser, and more prudent, in view of the present public concern about the matter, not to give such advice in future?
§ Mr. BevinsNo. The countries which have consulted us have come to us of their own volition for advice. We do not go out of our way to give gratuitous advice to overseas administrations. So far 476 as purchases are concerned, clearly overseas Governments or agencies are completely free to purchase wherever, and from whomever, they like.