§ 14. Mr. WATTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his Department is at present giving out large orders for clothing; whether it refuses to deal with contractors who can supply only small quantities per week; whether he is aware that tailors in the large provincial cities are suffering from unemployment at the same time as the Government Departments cannot get delivery of clothes; and, if so, whether he will see that smaller makers get a fair share of the orders?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe quantities of clothing for the Navy obtained from the trade have been considerably increased during the War. Orders have been placed with many firms, both large and small. Very close attention has been paid to representations received as to the existence of unemployment, and there is no intention of excluding small makers. In this connection, I may say, speaking of Admiralty contracts generally, that during the present emergency the Admiralty have availed themselves of the services of a large number of firms not previously on the list for orders of a non-confidential character, and that it is always open to firms to make application.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAA firm which is not a large one.