Sir M. BARLOWasked the Undersecretary of State for War with regard to the Pendleton Co-operative Society, whether, towards the end of March, some 600 civilian suits were compulsorily purchased by the War Office at twenty-four hours' notice, being in fact the whole, or practically the whole, stock of the society; whether other traders found also possessing stocks of similar clothing had no such pressure put on them; and whether there is any reason for this unfair treatment of this society?
§ Mr. FORSTERPurchase as stated had to be made to meet a very urgent requisition. It is regretted that any inconvenience was caused to the society, but similar purchases were made from no less than eighty-nine firms.