§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of Departments in which ink is now made from powder and water; whether he is aware that the staffs affected have to read a long circular telling them how to make it; whether any proper vessel is provided in which the ink can be made; and what is the amount of money, respectively, laid out on ink proper and ink powder in the services as a whole?
§ Mr. McNEILLHis Majesty's Stationery Office issues supplies of ink powder to outstations of public Departments generally at home and abroad. The supply of ink powder instead of liquid ink reduces the cost of packing and carriage and minimises the risk of damage in transit. With regard to the second part of the question the instructions for mixing appear on each packet and are concise. If Departments find it desirable to supplement these instructions that is a matter within their discretion with which I see no reason to interfere. No vessel is provided by the Stationery Office for the purpose indicated in the third part of the question. Any clean bottle of adequate size will suffice. With regard to the last part of the question the approximate cost of ink for 1925–26 is estimated at:
£ Liquid ink … … 3,700 Ink powder … … 2,500 £6,200.