§ 40. Mr. BARNESasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many members of the Scottish Operative Tailors' and Tailoresses' Association are unemployed; and whether he will take steps to secure that the present orders for clothing will be spread over as wide an area and employ as many workpeople as possible?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe existence of serious unemployment in the tailoring trade in the early days of the War was brought to the notice of the Admiralty, and efforts have been made to give opportunities to firms affected (including Scottish firms) to tender for Naval clothing. Recently the great demand for uniforms has afforded occupation to a large number of persons; but if there are still suitable firms in Scotland with unemployed workpeople capable of making naval clothing an application from any such firms, addressed to the Admiralty, will be duly considered.
§ Mr. WATTIs it the case that the right hon. Gentleman's Department will deal only with contractors who can do large quantities?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo; I do not confine myself to large works.