§ 8. Colonel YATEasked whether orders have been issued to discontinue the supply of English hand-made horseshoes for the use of the Army, and contracts have bean given for American machine-made shoes to replace them; whether the latter are inferior in quality to the. English hand-made shoes and more difficult to fit under conditions prevailing at the front; and whether arrangements will be made for a continuance of the manufacture of English hand-made shoes, especially during next winter?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on this subject 1455 last Thursday to the hon. Member for Devizes, of which I will send to him a copy.
§ Colonel YATEMay I ask whether the hon. Gentleman will not do something to give employment to British farriers during the present year? Why should they all be thrown out of employment by the giving of these contracts to America?
§ Mr. BAKERThe hon. Member will see what is the present position. The right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Birmingham (Mr. Chamberlain) made a suggestion, and investigations are being made.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANWhen shall we be able to hear the result of the investigations?