§ Sir R. BLADESasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the fact that in printing works throughout the country there is considerable machinery and plant standing idle, and printing firms are able to undertake all necessary Government printing, he will explain why further capital expenditure is being incurred at the Government printing works at Harrow or any of the seven other premises now occupied by the Government Stationery Office?
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§ Mr. BALDWINThe Treasury, in sanctioning the establishment of the Government printing works at Harrow as a three years' experiment, based their sanction on an estimated capital expenditure on plant and adaptation to buildings during the three years of the sum of £200,000. No further capital expenditure at Harrow or at any of the four other premises now occupied by the Stationery Office printing works is contemplated, nor is it anticipated that the limit of £200,000 fixed by the Treasury will be reached.
§ Sir ROWLAND BLADESasked whether, as the Government's own printing works at Harrow are being maintained for a period of three years' trial from June last, several five years' contracts, formerly held by contractors, who have the type standing, have been given to the printing works at Harrow; and if this has been done to provide employment in Government works or for any other reason?
§ Mr BALDWINThe Stationery Office Press at Harrow, in common with other contractors, have tendered for certain five years' printing contracts, and in certain cases the tender received from the Harrow Press being the lowest, the contracts have been granted to that Press. Although the contracts in question are for five years, they are terminable by six months' notice in writing on either side after the first year.