§ MR. BARLOWI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists among the men belonging to the Royal Navy because it is alleged that the cloth and serges used for their clothing do not wear so well, and especially do not retain their colour, as they formerly did; and whether, in view of the fact that during the last few months the price of indigo has advanced very considerably, care is being taken that the interests of the men shall not be prejudiced by the substitution of inferior dyes for colouring their clothes?
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. E. ROBERTSON,) DundeeThe Admiralty have no reason to believe that any such dissatisfaction exists. Only one complaint has been received since the new serge was introduced, which is being investigated by the Admiralty. No change has been made in the cloth issued. The tests applied render it impossible that inferior dyes to those contracted for can be used.
§ MR. HANBURYCan the hon. Gentleman say whether these cloth serges are obtained through the Army Clothing Factory at Pimlico, or how?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONI will ascertain, if my hon. Friend will put the question down.