§ Mr. NIELDasked the Postmaster-General if it is with his knowledge and authority that the Telegraph Department of the Post Office submits tenders for the execution of work relating to the installation of fire-alarm apparatus for municipal and other public corporations in competition with outside manufacturers and traders; and whether he will take steps to prevent trading by Government Departments in competition with the tax-paying public?
The HON. MEMBERalso asked the Postmaster-General what is the reason why, when installing fire-alarm apparatus in Government buildings, the Post Office give a preference to American-made instruments in place of those of British manufacture; if he alleges such a practice is due to differences in price or quality; and, if so, of what does such difference consist, and upon what test and by whom has such decision been arrived at?
§ Mr. NIELDfurther asked the First Commisioner of Works why an American fire alarm system was installed by the Post Office throughout Windsor Castle, without any invitations being issued to tender, or any opportunity being given for British firms to compete for this work; 816W what investigations were made as to the relative efficiency or cost of other systems; and upon whom does the responsibility rest for this neglect to give facilities for British manufacturers to compete on equal terms with foreigners for all public work within the cognisance of his Department?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI have been asked to answer the question addressed to the First Commissioner of Works, at the same time as the questions addressed to myself. The Postmaster-General has statutory powers for providing and maintaining telegraph lines on or under public roads, and in many towns is the only authority possessing such powers. It is for this reason that it is convenient for local authorities to have their fire alarm systems installed and kept up by the Post Office, especially in view of the fact that such systems, used by the public, fall within the exclusive rights relating to telegrams conferred on the Postmaster-General by the Telegraph Act of 1869. As regards the nature of the apparatus used this rests with the authority for whom the provision is made. The Post Office has no system of its own and so does not compete with those who manufacture and sell such apparatus. The fire alarm system at Windsor Castle was installed by the Post Office after careful consideration of the conditions to be met by the responsible officers of the Board of Works and the Post Office, who have full knowledge of the relative efficiency and cost of the various systems available. The rule adopted by the Post Office in the installation of fire alarm systems in Government buildings is to provide apparatus of the type which best meets the requirements of the case, as defined by the department concerned. Different types of apparatus are used to meet different conditions, and no preference is given to apparatus of American design except where it is believed to be decidedly more suitable than other patterns.