HC Deb 19 August 1919 vol 119 cc2118-9
9. Mr. WALLACE

asked on what basis posit-war reserves of wool textiles and garments, including blankets, are estimated; what are these reserves; and what relation such reserves have to the quantities stated as being held in stock by the War Office?

Mr. FORSTER

The basis on which. reserves are estimated depends on the strength and composition of the Army of the future and its expansion on mobilisation, and as those matters are at present under consideration; it is impracticable yet to say what reserves will be required.

10. Mr. WALLACE

asked what quantity of the 5,451,858 yards of cloth declared surplus from the Armistice to 8th August consisted of greatcoat khaki, serge khaki, tartan khaki, and whipcord and Bedford cord, purchased for service dress, apart from the black, grey and other cloths included in the whole figure?

Mr. FORSTER

The quantities are as follows:

Yards.
Greatcoat Khaki … 118
Cloth Drab, Melton … 5,378
Cloth Drab, Union … 84,244
Cloth Drab, Waterproof … 57
Tartan, Khaki … 17
Whipcord … 698,093
Bedford Cord … Nil.

11. Mr. WALLACE

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the approximate cost of the stocks held by the War Office as at 12th August, 1919, and the quantities declared surplus from the Armistice to 8th August of woollen textiles for service wear, including blankets and finished garments, hosiery, etc., already specified?

Mr. FORSTER

It would take a very considerable amount of time and labour to obtain this information, and, in view of the great pressure of work in the Department, I hope my hon. Friend will not press for the figures.

Lieut.-Colonel THORNE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any means of disposing of these stocks or putting them upon the market for sale?

Mr. FORSTER

That is what we hope to do. As I said the other day, as soon as we have reached a conclusion as to the requirements of our post-war Army we shall be able to make a disposal of a very large quantity of this cloth. It will be disposed of by the Disposal Board.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication when the conclusion will be reached?

Mr. FORSTER

No, I am afraid I cannot say now.