§ Sir R. Taskerasked the Minister of Supply whether, in connection with the supply of clothing to the combatant services, the lay-out of each garment is left to. the planning of the manufacturer; 1668W whether the cloth rags left over from the lay-out and manufacture are the property of the Government or the manufacturer; and how many firms have been entrusted with the manufacture of clothing for the troops?
§ Mr. BurginMakers of clothing for the Army, for which the Ministry of Supply is responsible, are required to cut and make in conformity with Government patterns and specifications. Sample garments and patterns to guide manufacture are supplied by the Ministry. The contractor is charged by the Ministry for all yardage supplied from Government stocks, and the cloth rags or cuttings remain his property. About 500 firms are at present employed in the production of uniform clothing ordered by the Ministry.