MR. WEBSTERI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that a custom has recently sprung up for men, in the employ of advertising firms, to parade in streets wearing the uniform of the various branches of Her Majesty's. Army; and whether steps can be taken to prevent this form of advertising?
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANWe have no power to prevent civilians front dressing in travesties of military uniforms, but precautions are taken that disused Army uniforms shall not be worn. The contractors to whom disused Army clothing is sold area bound by their contracts not to resell it in the United Kingdom, unless so altered as no longer to be recognisable.
MR. WEBSTERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in consequence of men being seen parading the streets of London in French military uniforms, the French Ambassador protested, and that in consequence the practice of degrading French uniforms was discontinued. Will not the right hon. Gentleman interfere in a like manner to protect English uniforms?
§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)Are the contractors under penalties for infringement of the contracts in this respect?
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI must ask for notice of that question. I was not aware of any protest as to the French uniforms, but I may remind the hon. Member that I am only responsible for British uniforms.