§ MR. STRACHEY (Somerset, S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War why the British soldier, who is at present served out with necessaries of his kit free on enlistment, should not have them renewed in the same way as he has his tunic and other articles of clothng: and whether a soldier re-engaging for 12 or 21 years has to supply himself with his underclothing, etc. at his own' expense, and is thereby unable to clear his Is a day?
MR. POWELL WILLIAMSIt is estimated that the cost of abolishing 614 stoppages for upkeep of the kit of soldiers serving at home would be between £110,000 and £140,000 a year, and the Secretary of State is not prepared to recommend an addition of such a sum to the Army Estimates.
§ MR. STRACHEYAnd does that sum represent merely the cost of shirts and socks, etc.