HC Deb 03 May 1900 vol 82 cc578-9
CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether it has been brought to his notice that officers appointed to the Reserve battalions from the half-pay list have not been granted the outfit allowance to which Reserve and retired officers are entitled, in spite of the fact that these half-pay officers have been obliged to provide themselves with the special uniform laid down in a special Army Order; and whether, under the circumstances, he will consider the advisability of granting the outfit allowance to these officers, who are few in number, more especially as their appointment is for one year only.

* MR. WYNDHAM

An officer on half pay has the expectation of being recalled to duty, and is consequently liable to maintain such outfit as he may require. His re-employment is not similar to that of a retired officer.

CAPTAIN NORTON

Is it not the fact that these officers are obliged to supply themselves with a totally different uniform?

* MR. WYNDHAM

That is a different question.

CAPTAIN NORTON

You have not answered it.

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Gentleman answered it by practically saying that he required notice.

CAPTAIN NORTON

I did not hear him.