§ 41. Mr. LAWSONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any decision has yet been reached in regard to the future method of supply of full-dress clothing as a result of the experimental orders placed with the trade?
§ Mr. COOPERYes, Sir. As a result of the experimental orders placed with the trade, the Army Council have decided that they would be justified in dispensing with a Government factory for this work.
§ Mr. LAWSONDoes my hon. Friend not think this reform. by its very nature, will tend to produce a monopoly in the making of full-dress uniform? What protection has the War Office against exploitation?
§ Mr. COOPERNo. There are several companies that are prepared to compete in making uniforms of this kind, and I do not think the danger the hon. Member foresees, which has, of course, been present to the mind of the Army Council in making its decision, is one that we cannot fairly risk.