§ Mr. CLAUDE HAYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange that contractors who supply canvas for his Department shall be bound, as in the case of contractors supplying canvas to the Admiralty, under their contracts to deliver canvas manufactured in the United Kingdom; and if he has inquired from the firms who now supply his Department with canvas whether that canvas is manufactured in the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe War Department has an ample supply of canvas from English and Scotch manufacture of high reputation. I, therefore, see no reason for 923 introducing into the contracts stipuations as to place of origin, and for making the inquiries suggested.
§ Mr. CLAUDE HAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say definitely whether the canvas supplied is or is not made in the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. HALDANEI believe it is made in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. CLAUDE HAYHave you ascertained definitely?
§ Mr. HALDANENo.
§ Mr. CLAUDE HAYWhy do you not adopt the course followed in Admiralty contracts of putting in a clause that the ai tide is to be manufactured in the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. HALDANEIt is not necessary. As the article is supplied by English and Scotch manufacturers, we presume it comes from the United Kingdom.