§ Mr. Loydenasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will give a general direction to the Post Office to place contracts in respect of new or replacement equipment with British firms, in order to protect the interests of British workers where unemployment is markedly higher than the national average.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieA general direction would not be appropriate. But I am sure the Post Office is well aware of the point made by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for Industry how he proposes to exercise his powers under the Statutory Corporations (Financial Provisions) Act 1974 in respect of the Post Office's losses in the financial year 1973–74.
§ Mr. BennThe Post Office has been informed that I intend to seek parliamentary approval for the making of an order to pay compensation for price restraint in 1973–74 amounting to £123,567,000. This is the sum of the audited deficits on the revenue accounts of posts, telecommunications and remittance services, and of the part of the Giro deficit which is attributable to price restraint. A draft order seeking authority for this payment will be laid before the House as soon as possible.