§ Captain BAGLEYasked the Minister of Labour whether the total number of firms holding the Royal Warrant who are not on the King's National Roll has increased since June last from 690 to 853; whether, during this period, whilst public contracts are confined as far as possible to firms who are on the roll, the Royal Warrant has been granted to 246 additional firms, nearly all of whom are not on the roll; and what steps it is proposed to take to secure that the 1,143 firms who use the royal arms to increase their profits shall respond to the King's appeal on behalf of the war-disabled?
§ Sir M. BARLOWThe number of Royal Warrant holders on the King's Roll has increased since June from 207 to 290. By regrettable inadvertence the total number of Warrant holders given to my hon. and gallant Friend in the reply of 30th June was incorrect. The correct figure is 1,143 as stated in the reply of 17th November. As regards the 853 Royal Warrant holders60W who are not on the roll, a number are specialised firms having very few employés. There are however a great many others who, so far as I can see, ought to be on the Roll, and my right hon. Friend does not propose to rest satisfied with the present position.