§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if he is aware that in the British Army there are, in addition to distinctive badges and differences in clothing for the various grades of commissioned and non-commissioned rank and territorial distinctions. 87 different patterns of frocks and jackets for rank and file, 45 different patterns for tunies and dress jackets, 47 different patterns of trousers and trews, 35 different patterns of caps, 30 different, patterns of full-dress head gear, the greater part being unsuitable for campaign work; and if any steps are being taken or are contemplated in the direction of greater uniformity, at least on mobilisation for active service, as in the case of the Royal Navy and Foreign Armies, or to hold in reserve for immediate issue a field kit for the two Army Corps held ready for embarkation?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. W. ST. JOHN BRODRICK,) Surrey, GuildfordThe numbers of distinct patterns quoted in the Question are correct; and the Military Authorities are quite alive to the desirability of reducing them wherever a change can be made without running counter to regimental feeling, but distinctive uniforms are a valued tradition in the British Army, and any attempt to arrive at greater uniformity must be made with the utmost caution. Steps have been taken to prepare a field kit ready for mobilisation.