§ 7. Mr. Shinwellasked the Postmaster-General what measures are being taken by his Department to place more orders for Post Office requirements in the County of Durham and the North-East.
§ Miss PikeMy right hon. Friend is not aware that there are suitable firms in the North-East which might wish to tender for Post Office contracts but have not had an opportunity to do so. If the right hon. Gentleman has some particular firms in mind which are not already on our lists, we shall be only too glad to consider them.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the hon. Lady aware that I am asking similar Questions of various Government Departments? In view of the Government's expressed wish to reduce unemployment in the North-East, is it not the responsibility of her right hon. Friend to ascertain whether there are suitable firms in the area, or is that responsibility to be placed on the right hon. Member to make inquiries about the whole of the County of Durham? I suggest that her right hon. Friend should make inquiries as soon as possible, because this is one way of mitigating the severity of the economic position in the North-East.
§ Miss PikeI can assure the right hon. Gentleman that we make these inquiries. But we will make further inquiries to make certain that we have not left out any suitable firms.