§ 41. Mr. HOGGEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that enough tartan can be manufactured weekly in Scotland to clothe six battalions; and whether he can say how much greater the demand of the War Office is?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir. I regret my information as to the manufacturing output of tartan does not agree with the position suggested in the question. In answer to the last part of the question, it was found, on a recent review of the position, that the contractors were in arrear to the extent of sufficient tartan to clothe more than nine battalions.
§ Mr. HOGGEIf I give the right hon. Gentleman the names of firms who will supply sufficient tartan for six battalions will he give them orders?
§ Mr. TENNANTI shall have to refer that to my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary, but I will certainly see that those contractors and others are given due consideration.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the town of Peebles alone the manufacturers can supply weekly, tartans for three battalions?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir, I was not aware of that; I am very glad to hear it.