§ 24 and 25. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether, in view of the signed statements of kilt manufacturers and the makers of tartan in Scotland to the effect that there is at present a shortage neither of material nor of manufacturing facilities for supplying kilts, and that, if required, these manufacturers could turn out regularly 3,000 kilts per week, and, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction felt in Scotland on account of the War Office attitude in this matter, he will cause a thorough inquiry to be made into the manufacturing position in Scotland and report the result to Parliament;
(2) whether since by undertaking that the kilt shall be retained for walking-out dress after the war he recognises the high value attached to the kilt by Scotland; and, since a review has been promised of the question of issuing the kilt during the war should the supply position alter, he will now consider withdrawing the present complete ban upon further issues of the kilt and declaring that, as and when the supply position permits, the manufacture of the kilt will be resumed, with a view to its issue as the normal walking-out dress for Highland regiments wherever they may be stationed?
§ Mr. StanleyI am making further inquiries into the matter in the light of information which my hon. Friend has sent to me.