§ ADMIRAL SIR JOHN COMMERELL (Southampton)asked the Secretary of State for War, If he has any objection to allow a tunic manufactured at Limerick, and another at the Clothing Establishment, Pimlico, with their prices attached, to be left, for the convenience of inspection by Members, in one of the Committee Rooms; and, whether, taking into consideration the distress in the Metropolis last winter, and its possible recurrence, he will allow the Clothing Establishment at Pimlico to remain at its full strength?
§ THE SURVEYOR GENERAL OF ORDNANCE (MR. NORTHCOTE) (Exeter)I do not think a Committee Room of the House is a suitable place for exhibiting tunics; but any Member wishing to inspect garments will receive every attention from the Director of Clothing at the Royal Army Clothing Factory, where he will be able to see tunics manufactured at both establishments. The strength of the clothing establishment must vary according to the requirements of the Service, the increase or decrease of the number of employés being regulated by the amount of work to be done.
§ MR. WILLIAM ABRAHAM (Limerick, W.)asked, whether, in view of the fact that the manufacture of Army clothing in the Pimlico Factory entailed the loss of several thousand pounds a year to the country, the hon. Gentleman would consider the desirability of limiting the production of that extensive factory?
§ MR. NORTHCOTEsaid, he was afraid he could not answer the Question of the hon. Gentleman the Member for Limerick, because he was not able to accept the premisses that the extravagance was as general as was represented by the hon. Gentleman.