§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will give details of the briefcases and dispatch boxes available for and given to members of the Royal Commission on Gambling at their first meeting; what were the individual cost of these cases; how many public servants are supplied with them and at what costs; and whether, in support of the Government's economy drive, he will stop supplying these.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisA sample briet case and dispatch box was shown to members of the Royal Commission on Gambling at their first meeting, so that they might choose the type appropriate to their needs. None has yet been supplied. The cost of a briefcase is approximately £38, and a dispatch box approximately £60. Fourteen brief cases and seven dispatch boxes were supplied to members of Royal Commissions during 1975 at a total cost of £950.
I am considering whether the essential needs of members of Royal Commissions for items of this nature can be met more economically.