§ Mr. Whiteasked the Postmaster-General whether the committee set up to consider the question of prices under non-competitive agreements has completed its work; and whether he can make a statement with regard to the conclusions reached?
§ Major TryonAs the hon. Member is aware, the discussions initiated with the contractors have as their object the grant to the Department of additional facilities for assessing the reasonableness of prices under bulk agreements. I am glad to be able to say that certain facilities have now been accorded by the equipment contractors and detailed investigation is at present proceeding into the overhead expenses of one of the firms. The results of this and any other investigations which may be undertaken should be available for the purpose of the negotiation by the Department of a new Agreement to replace the existing Equipment Agreement which expires early in 1940.