HC Deb 27 September 1944 vol 403 cc237-8
53. Mr. Evelyn Walkden

asked the Minister of Supply whether he can make a statement as to the progress made with the scheme and production of suits and the full range of clothing to be supplied to men demobilised or discharged from the armed Forces; and if he can announce a date when such supplies will be available for issue by the respective Service Ministries.

Sir A. Duncan

Contracts have been placed for the whole range of clothing to be supplied to men released or discharged from the Army and Air Force and supplies are coming forward in substantial quantities. The second part of the Question is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for War and the Secretary of State for Air.

Mr. E. Walkden

Could I ask my right hon. Friend, as there are three Ministers involved, whether he was not responsible for that excellent exhibition at Olympia to Members of Parliament; and will those arrangements about fitters and measurers and all other people who are necessary, be put in operation by his Department or by the other Ministries, far the demobilised men? Good-fitting clothes are very important. These are good clothes and we do not want them wasted. Will he be responsible?

Sir A. Duncan

That would have to be considered.

Sir Herbert Holdsworth

Arising out of the original reply, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is sufficient staff to make the number of suits which will be wanted in the immediate future and are the supplies adequate?

Sir A. Duncan

Of course labour is one of the very great difficulties at the present time and every attention is being directed to making sure that we get the labour we need.

Sir H. Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman admit that there are tens of thousands of workers in his factories doing nothing?

Commander Agnew

Will he see to it that there is no undue regimentation in the form of headgear so that a man is free to choose a soft hat, a bowler or a cap?

Sir H. Holdsworth

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Ministry of Labour regarding the adequate supply of labour to make these suits?

Sir A. Duncan

We will get into touch with the Minister of Labour.

Major Woolley

Could I ask my right hon. Friend how many suits are available now, and at what rate they are being turned out?

Sir A. Duncan

Obviously I could not give that information.

Mr. A. Edwards

Could the Minister say this to the men who will have to wear these suits—is he satisfied that they arc clothes in which he himself would be proud to parade the streets?

Sir A. Duncan

I would be most happy to go out in the clothes that I saw.

Mr. E. Walkden

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Commander Agnew

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. The Minister has not yet given a reply to my question.