§ 25. Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Postmaster-General how much of the telecommunications equipment purchased by the Post Office is manufactured in development areas.
§ The Postmaster-General (Mr. John Stonehouse)Our contractors estimate that about 70 per cent. of telphone exchange equipment and apparatus is manfactured in development areas. Additionally, about one-fifth of our other telecommunications purchases come from development areas.
§ Mr. MorrisThat is a very satisfactory figure. Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the development areas will continue to receive a good share of future orders?
§ Mr. StonehouseYes, the position is very satisfactory. A lot of Post Office procurement work, at no additional cost to us, I am glad to say, has gone to parts of the country which need it. I gladly give the assurance that this will be continued.