§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the distress caused to the needlework workers at the Marine Barracks, Chatham, by the irregular delivery of orders; that though the order for the current quarter was placed early this month the material has not yet been delivered, so that the situation is as acute as before; whether the schedule of garments to be made is a mere farce, the bulk of the garments never being sent there at all; and whether he can arrange that the whole of the coastguards' clothing shall be made at the barracks instead of the very small proportion entrusted to them at present?
§ Mr. AMERYOrders for the limited requirements of articles capable of being made at the Marine Barracks, Chatham, are placed with as great regularity as possible, in order to secure an even flow of work for the workers, whose interests are constantly borne in mind. The material for the current quarter's order has now been despatched. It was despatched at the earliest practicable date, having regard to the present pressure of1028W work and reduced staff. It is not true that the bulk of the garments are never sent to the Marine Divisions. The schedule necessarily comprises all garments and articles which can be made, but only such as are actually required can be ordered. The new coastguard uniform consists of "made to measure" garments, i.e., jackets, waistcoats and trousers, and not, as formerly, of seaman's jumpers, trousers and vests included in the Marine Agreement. The new uniform is made by experienced "made to measure" uniform contractors.