§ MR. ALDENI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that instructions have been sent by the Territorial Forces Association of the County of London to the commanding officer of each regiment of the above force, giving instruction to such officers to procure clothing outfits for non-commissioned officers and men, the tenders of the same to be up to Pimlico sealed patterns, the tenders not to exceed £1 1s. 8d. for dismounted men's outfit, viz., jacket, trousers, cap, and puttees; for mounted men, £1 11s. 7d., the oufit to consist of jacket, trousers, cap, puttees, and spurs; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to secure that the Fair Wages Resolution of the House shall apply to such contracts.
§ MR. HALDANEI have given the question careful consideration, and I am of opinion that this matter should be left to the discretion of the County Associations.
§ MR. ALDENHas the right hon. Gentleman any real control over the manufacture of clothing for the Territorial Force?
§ MR. HALDANEUnder the Act we have a good deal of general control, but this question is essentially one that should be left to commanding officers.
§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)If the uniforms are paid for out of national funds, surely there ought to be some control?
§ MR. T. F. RICHARDS (Wolverhampton, W.)Will the spirit of the Fair Wages Resolution of this House apply in these cases?
§ MR. HALDANEI think so, for the Pimlico prices are to be the basis.