§ 32. Lieut.-Colonel PARRYasked the Secretary of State for War what quantity of khaki has been handed over to the Disposal Board?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe quantity of khaki cloth that has been reported to the Disposal Board is as follows:—
Yards. Cloth, greatcoat, drab mixture 1,000,000 Serge, drab mixture 2,500,000 Tartan, drab mixture 2,500,000 Bedford Cord 500,000 Whipcord 728,000
§ Mr. CHURCHILLFor sale to the country.
Mr. PALMERWill the right hon. Gentleman withhold this order until the House has given a decision on the question of khaki?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere are great quantities that are surplus. We have 1989 always found ourselves open to criticism for holding too large a stock and for not endeavouring to reduce the high price of cloth in the country.
Sir F. HALLWould it not be more economical to use this cloth in uniforms for the soldiers in the first case, and then to go into the question of clothing the troops in scarlet?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not at all sure whether it would be wise to keep such very large stocks of khaki. We are keeping enormous stocks of khaki, both in uniforms and in cloth, at our disposal now, because that is going to be the permanent working dress of the Army. But this is surplus to all that, and I certainly do not think we ought to go back on the decision to put this quantity of khaki on the market.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is impossible for the House of Commons to decide every question of detailed administration. The House of Commons is not an Executive body; it is the body that controls the Executive.