Section 66A. The tools, implements and material required for use in manufacturing in any jails or houses of correction, and such necessary machinery to replace any which becomes unfit for use or is destroyed by fire or by malicious acts of prisoners or to establish new trades or industries, may be purchased for any jail or house of correction by the superintendent or keeper, or any agent appointed by such superintendent or keeper, under supervision of the commissioner, and subject to any applicable provisions of law relative to purchases for the county, city or town, as the case may be, after estimates or requisitions, in such form as the commissioner shall require, have been approved by him.