83. Sir F. HALLasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the approximate value of clothes and stores, separately, that were in hand at the date of the last stocktaking; what was the date of such stocktaking; whether clothing is still being made; and, if so, how much is spent annually in the cost and manufacture of Army clothing at Pimlico?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Captain Douglas King)Apart from war reserves, there are some 800,000 yards of material in stock for service dress and cotton drill khaki suits, and some 435,000 made up suits. I cannot state the value of these stocks, but I am considering the general question of the valuation of Army stores. As regards the last part of the question, clothing is 1420 still being manufactured at Pimlico; the estimated expenditure there in the current year, as shown on page 150 of Army Estimates, is £401,950.
Sir F. HALLIs there any truth in the rumours that there is enough clothing in the hands of the Government to last the troops for another 10 or 15 years, and, if so, will my hon. and gallant Friend see that economy is effected by making no further clothing at Pimlico?
§ Captain KINGThe stocks which I have just stated represent from two to three years' normal peace requirements.
§ Captain KINGI think the stores mean the clothing. I have not an answer with regard to the whole of the stores for the Army.
Sir F. HALLI beg to give my hon. and gallant Friend notice that I will repeat my question. I want to know about stores, which are totally distinct from clothing.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir JOSEPH NALLIs it a fact that at the present time the clothing produced at the Pimlico factory is more expensive to the State than clothing produced by private contractors?
§ Captain KINGI do not agree with that.