§ Sir H. CAYZERasked the Postmaster-General whether any contracts have been made by his Department with foreign manufacturers during the past six months for the supply of office machinery, such as typewriters, addressing machines, etc.; and, if so, whether he will give details and state whether similar machines could have been obtained from British firms?
§ Mr. WHITEDuring the last six months, 50 office machines of foreign origin have been ordered for use by the Post Office. Of these 32 were accounting machines of three different makes, 15 were duplicating machines of two makes, and three were miscellaneous machines of small cost. In no case was there a British equivalent; and during the same period orders for substantially more than 1,000 machines were given to British manufacturers.