§ Dr. Littleasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that there is a serious shortage of gold lace in Belfast required for the uniforms of men serving in the Royal Navy and kindred services; and, whether, in view of this, he will see that a sufficient supply of gold lace is placed at the disposal of the tailors requiring such in Northern Ireland to enable them to turn out these uniforms?
Captain HudsonThere is a general shortage of certain types of gold lace throughout the United Kingdom and not only in Northern Ireland, but it is hoped that manufacturers will be able to produce adequate supplies before long. As a temporary measure to meet this situation a modified form of distinction lace has been approved for certain officers of the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.