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State Printing Works

Volume 161: debated on Wednesday 14 March 1923

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asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the form of the Inquiry into the working of the State twitting works has yet been determined upon; at what date the Inquiry will commence; and whether, in view of the printing works at Harrow being only sanctioned as an experimental measure until June, 1923, instructions can be issued that no further expenditure on plant and machinery is to be incurred until the result of the Inquiry is known?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and as regards the second part, I am unable at present to add anything to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave to my hon. and gallant. Friend on the 13th December last. I am anxious to avoid any further capital expenditure on plant and machinery until the result of the Inquiry is known, but I cannot give any undertaking in this respect, as considerations of economy may make further expenditure essential.