Lords Sitting of 12 November 1914

PACK-BERESFORD DIVORCE BILL [H.L.]
THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT HALDANE): My Lords, in relation to the Pack-Beresford Divorce Bill—a Bill which Was before this House last session and was disposed of here, and as to which, by agreement with the other House, the proceedings were suspended—I have to acquaint your Lordships that, pursuant to the Resolutions of August 6 and 7 last, the Bill had been lodged in the Private Bill Office, together with the proper declaration of the Agent; and now, in accordance with the Standing Orders and the usual practice, I present the Bill and move that it be read a first time.
Moved, That the Bill be now read 1a.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
On Question, Bill read 1a.
Bill read 2a: Committee negatived: Bill read 3a and passed, and sent to the Commons.

SUPPLIES FOR THE ARMY.
THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH rose to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the speculation in military supplies and of the inadvisable competition between all purchases of such supplies, the Government would consider the desirability of immediately fixing a flat rate for all articles which are required as war outfit of the Naval or Military Forces of the Crown.
The noble Earl said: My Lords, the Question which I ask is one which County Associations consider of importance. There is no doubt a great deal of speculation in providing these supplies, and as the County Associations have now a good many additional duties thrown upon their shoulders in the way of providing various articles that are necessary, it is of great importance to them that they should be able to get these supplies at a reasonable price. There were certain articles which in the original scheme were to be provided by the Army Council, but owing to pressure the Army Council has not been able to provide them, and it has been left to the County Associations to secure the articles necessary. We are acting, of course, under the impression that as the Territorial Force is now a recognised part of the fighting Forces of the Crown, they are entitled, when they are sent abroad, to have the same supplies provided for them as are provided for the Regular Army. Therefore certain articles not considered necessary in the first instance have now been supplied to them. Again, the Generals in command of Divisions usually have their own idea of what articles are necessary for the troops under their command. Those, again, we have to provide; and additional provision has to be made by the County Associations for what commanding officers consider necessary.
What happens is this. There is enormous competition for everything that is necessary, and the result is that it is the poor Territorial Associations which usually suffer. There was an instance quoted the other day in The Times in connection with a particular article of which a good many thousands were required. The normal price of this article was 3s. 6d. A quantity were offered to the War Office at 4s. 5d. and refused, but they were eventually planted on the County Associations at 6s. 11 d. I am sure the House will agree that that is too much profit to be made and too great an advantage to be taken of he emergency under which we are now
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labouring. Therefore the Association which I represent passed a resolution the other day in the terms of my Question, asking the Government to consider the desirability of fixing a flat rate for all articles which are required as war oufit of the Naval and Military Forces of the Crown. I also beg to ask His Majesty's Government whether they will lay on the Table the Interim Report on Canteens and Regimental Institutes.
THE LORD CHANCELLOR: My Lords, my noble and gallant friend the Secretary of State for War, who is unable to be present to-day, has asked me to answer the noble Earl's Questions and state his views. The Secretary of State is substantially in accord with the noble Earl. The principle underlying this Question has, been adopted and is being followed where possible so far as military outfit is concerned, and that relates to the whole of the Forces of the Crown, including the Territorial Force. For instance, arrangements have been made whereby the sale price of revolvers is limited to a 10 per cent. advance on peace prices. Something must be allowed for the pressure of production, and 10 per cent. has been thought reasonable. Again, negotiations are in progress with the Wholesale Clothing Manufacturers' Federation with a view to ascertaining how far a flat rate could be adopted for the manufacture of Army clothing, and agreements in this sense, covering the supplies of clothing to the whole of His Majesty's Military Forces, will probably be concluded if the Secretary of State is able to satisfy himself that by such an arrangement the supply of the necessary quantities would not be prejudiced in any way. Further steps in this direction will be taken. In reply to the noble Earl's second Question, I place on the Table the Interim Report of the Committee on Garrison and Regimental Institutes.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE.
THE MARQUESS OF CREWE: My Lords, I understand that there is no business on the Paper for Monday next, and therefore I propose that the House should adjourn until Tuesday, if that suits noble Lords opposite.
Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.
House adjourned at twenty-five minutes before Five o'clock, till 'To-morrow, half-past Ten o'clock.