§ 40. Mr. H. G. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention to transfer to the Ministry of Supply when constituted the War Office Department in Manchester recently opened by Sir Frederick Marquis; and whether contractors for Army clothing are in future to send their tenders to Sir Frederick Marquis or to the War Office in London?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, Sir. Contractors for Army clothing should continue to send their tenders to the Contracts Department.
§ Mr. WilliamsHas the attention of my right hon. Friend been drawn to the fact that rather extensive publicity from Manchester has had the unfortunate effect of raising the prices of certain raw materials?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI should be sorry to believe that. All that has happened at Manchester is that an office has been opened and I do not see how that could achieve the result to which my hon. Friend refers.
§ Mr. ThorneIn view of the big demand for Army clothing, would it not be advisable for the War Office to set up a clothing factory of their own?