§ 58. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any approximate indication of the value of orders which will be given by his Department under the five-year rearmament programme to the cotton textile industry; what is the approximate value of orders anticipated during the current year; and whether arrangements have now been made to give these orders, as far as possible, directly to the manufacturers concerned rather than through agents?
§ Sir V. WarrenderFor cotton goods bought in the piece, the estimated value of orders over the period 1936–39 is £2,000,000; for 1939, £1,500,000. This excludes the value of orders for ready-made goods, such as sheets, pillow-cases, etc., figures for which are not readily available. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Members for Burnley (Mr. Burke) and Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson) by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and would add that, as has already been announced, Sir Frederick Marquis has been appointed to advise the War Office in connection with purchases of textile stores generally.
§ Mr. SilvermanAre steps taken by the Department to secure that these orders are distributed equitably throughout the country?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThese contracts, like other contracts, are put out to tender and the lowest tender is accepted.
§ Mr. SilvermanIf that answer means that no such steps as I have suggested are taken, will the hon. Gentleman consider whether such steps should be taken?