asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the Director of Supplies of His Majesty's Office of Works has invited offers to tender for 20,000 bedsteads for the Royal Air Force; that the execution of such a contract would be of great hindrance to the English bedstead trade owing to the present shortage of material and skilled labour; that, in consequence of the prohibition of the exporting of bedsteads during the War, there is a great demand overseas for English bedsteads arising from depleted stocks; that if English makers cannot supply that demand the trade will inevitably go to foreign rivals; and that other Government Departments have in their possession heavy stocks of similar bedsteads which they are gradually selling off at scrap prices; and whether, in view of these considerations, he will advise the reconsideration of the whole matter?