GOVERNMENT PRINTING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21935, 19 October 1934, Page 15

GOVERNMENT PRINTING

EXTENSION OF ACTIVITIES BUSINESS MEN'S CRITICISM "I am sorry the Prime Minister has sent a letter like this, for, in my opinion, some of tho statements would not bear investigation," said the president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Mr. A. G. Lunn, at yesterday's meeting of the council of the chamber, when a letter was received from tho lit. Hon. G. W. Forbes dealing with the activities of the Government Printing Office. The letter was in reply to criticism of the extension of the department's activities to include printing for education boards, secondary school boards, technical school boards and university colleges. "The prices for printing in the Government Printing Office are, in all cases, fixed under an efficient system based ou the actual cost of production and not by tho conditions of the market or the competition with which tho office is faced," stated tho Prime Minister. Moreover the costs of tho department, were subject to a thorough system of internal check and independent audit. With regard to Government publications the margin included in the selling prices was provided for a definite purpose and did not affect the prices for printing other supplies. The prices were fixed by an independent body, the Government Publications Committee. "It might be mentioned," added Mr. Forbes, "that the value of printing secured by the department from the various educational boards since the printing activities were extended, in November, 1933, to September 30 this year, was £6 17s Gd." "I am able to say that the Government Printing Office is making a profit, and it is not tliero to make a profit, thus robbing private enterprise," said Mr. Lunn. Last year the department's profit was £II,OOO. The system was detrimental to the Government and a distinct menace to taxpayers. It was decided to acknowledge the letter and bring the matter before the Associated Chambers of Commerce.