§ 85. Sir. J. SIMONasked the Prime Minister whether any instructions have been issued to Government Departments to anticipate their requirements in the matter of clothing and other necessary supplies by issuing immediate orders and thereby to diminish the existing unemployment and at the same time obtain their supplies at a lower cost?
§ Mr. BALDWINProposals to accelerate orders are already under consideration, but the assistance which can be given to unemployment in this way is restricted by the large stocks on hand as a result of the War, and the subsequent decreases of establishments, both military and civil.
§ Mr. PRINGLEDoes the answer apply to the Post Office?
§ Mr. BALDWINYes.