§ 49. Mr. Burkeasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, following recent inquiries made from merchants and manufacturers, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to place orders at the present time or in the immediate future in order to accumulate stocks of cotton textiles for the Army, Navy and Air Force?
§ Sir T. InskipI am not in a position to make any statement on this matter.
§ Mr. BurkeWill the right hon. Member take into consideration the admirable 2040 reasons there are for placing orders for cotton goods at once, namely, that these goods are not perishable, prices to the Government are extremely favourable at the present time, and the placing of contracts now would form a useful and necessary stimulus to employment in the country?
§ Sir T. InskipI am obliged to the hon. Member, and I will bear these considerations in mind.