§ MR. HOYLE (Lancashire, S.E., Heywood)asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether, notwithstanding his statement made to the House last year, the Superintendent of Army Clothing, Madras, has invited tenders to supply goods for the year 1889–90, in terms which will prohibit goods made in Lancashire and Yorkshire from competition; and, whether the following items are included in the terms of the specification: Flannel, blue, grey, S. W. 19,263 yards; Flannel, thick, cricket, white, 2,378 yards; Flannel, white, S. W. 7,808 yards; Flannel, grey, 8. W. 7,000 yards; Cotton, grey, 36 inches wide, 2,762 yards; Cotton, white, O. R. 9,786 yards; Holland, brown, 2,438 yards; Cotton, twill, 37,250 yards; Serge, blue, thick, 542 No. 2, D. W. 8,517 yards; Drill, Kaki, 485,579 yards; Braid, tubular, worsted, white, 3,309 yards; Braid, tubular, worsted, yellow, 7,057 yard; Serge, blue, rank and file, 16,127 yards?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)The Secretary of State has observed with regret that an advertisement of tenders for Army clothing has appeared at Madras in terms which he considers misleading, and he has accordingly addressed a communication to the Government of Madras on the subject. The value of clothing for which tenders were invited last year was £17,000; the amount purchased £24.