§ 34. Mr. Dalyellasked the Postmaster-General what directives he has recently issued to provide for the purchase of goods by his Department in areas of high unemployment, such as Bathgate.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe contract preference arrangements which applied to firms in development districts have now been extended to the development areas introduced by the Development Areas Order, 1966.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat is the value of these purchases in the Bathgate area?
§ Mr. BryanWould the right hon. Gentleman confirm that all telephone exchange equipment is still bought from a 446 small ring of manufacturers? Are there any manufacturers in the development areas which could accept these orders if they were accepted into the ring?
§ Mr. William HamiltonIs my right hon. Friend aware that, thanks to the Government's policies for the development areas, we now have in Fife some massive new industry which will provide further Post Office equipment and that we are very grateful to the Government for it?
§ Mr. ShortI should say, perhaps, that the orders placed in Scotland this year so far amount to £5,750,000.
§ Mr. AllasonWill the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision to accept Japanese equipment in Post Office orders?
§ Mr. ShortI think that the only Japanese equipment, so far as I recollect —I have had no notice of this—is a small component in something which we buy from a British firm.