§ Mr. HAYES FISHERasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Government are placing contracts for the supply of such articles as mattresses and mats with the institutions for the blind which are capable of producing those articles; and, if not, whether the Government will consider the desirability of so doing, and thereby releasing the labour of sighted workers, who are needed for, and are capable of, the production of other war material?
Mr. BAKERNumerous orders for such articles as brushes, brooms and basket-ware, and a few orders for bedding and mats, have been placed with institutions for the blind. There is every desire to give opportunity for work to these institutions, but they are usually not in as good a position as trade firms to offer the prompt delivery which is generally required.