§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it has been brought to his notice that many young officers with small private means serving in India are obliged to borrow money from native bankers at high rates of interest in order to provide themselves with the additional kit required in that country; and whether, with the view of preventing a larger number of officers from being obliged to have recourse to this practice in order to provide themselves with the new uniform on account of pressure brought to bear upon them by commanding officers, he will consider the advisability of issuing a definite order to the effect that a certain number of years may elapse before an officer at present serving is compelled to purchase the new uniform.
§ MR. BRODRICKI have no information as regards the first paragraph, as the matter does not appertain to the War Department. As regards the second paragraph, such pressure is definitely forbidden by a circular letter sent to all general officers commanding districts. I shall be glad if the hon. Member will furnish me with any instances in which such pressure has been exercised.