PRINTING COSTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 247, 18 October 1934, Page 8

PRINTING COSTS.

GOVERNMENT OFFICE. PREMIER ON POLICY. COMMERCE CHAMBER OBJECTS As a result of strong comment on the actions of the Government Printing Office by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce recently, a letter explaining the policy of the oflice was received by the chamber from the Prime Minister this morning. Objection to the letter was voiced by thy president of the chamber, Mr. A. G. Lunn. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, wrote that the prices for printing in the Government Printing Office were in all cases fixed under an efficient system based 011 the actual cost of production. Any departure' from this would result in waste, for which the Department would be answerable. The costs of the Government Printing Office were subject to a thorough system of internal check and an independent audit. All transactions are separately examined. With regard to Government publications, the margin included in the selling prices of publications was provided for a definite purpose, and did not afTectj the prices for printing other supplies. The value of printing secured by the Government Printing Office from education boards, secondary and technical school boards and the university college in the Auckland district since the inception of the system in November laist to September 30 was £0 17/(i. "I am sorry that the Prime Minister should have nent us a letter like this, and I am afraid that some of the state- ' ments in it would not bear investigation," said the president, Mr. A. G. Lunn. "The Government Printing Office made a very substantial profit of £11.000 last year. I suggest this interference with private trade is going to be detrimental. That profit is a distinct menace to private trade." It was decided to acknowledge the letter and bring the matter before the Associated Chambers of Commerce.