§ MR. BARRAN (Leeds, N.)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state the cost price of the blue serges sold in December for £3,000 by auction; and also what quantities of blue serges within 10 per cent. in value have been ordered since that date either by the Admiralty or War Office.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) The bulk of the serge sold in December was the remains of a parcel bought six or seven years ago, of a light make for hot climates, which was not taken up to the extent anticipated. It was sold to prevent deterioration, and realised about 80 per. Cent. of its original cost price. The 49 serge since bought is of the ordinary No. 2 and No. 3 qualities; that sold being known as No. 1.