§ 28. Mr. WATTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his Department proposes to take the initiative in making arrangements whereby the tailors of large cities such as Glasgow, at present suffering severely from unemployment in that trade, will get a share of the large orders of the War Office, or whether his Department means to wait until the tailors 936 club together to supply sufficient quantity to be worth the attention of the clothing inspectors?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)Knowledge of local conditions should place local firms in a better position than the War Department for taking the initiative in this matter. In some places the trade is already being organised with a view to securing a share of War Office orders. The Department will be glad to receive any applications from representative bodies able to submit collective tenders on behalf of such firms.
§ 29. Mr. WATTasked the Under-Secretary for War whether the Scottish regiments at present stationed at Kettering have yet been paid the 7s. 6d. per man promised them for the loss to them of their own boots and clothing; and whether this sum is considered by his Department sufficient return in view of the length of time these regiments have been in training?
§ Mr. BAKERThe payment of 7s. 6d. represents a daily rate to cover wear and tear of civilian clothing for a month. In cases where it is necessary to extend the period, the daily rate will be extended also up to a total limit of 15s. Inquiry is being made into the case of the Scottish regiments at Kettering.