§ MR. HAVELOCK WILSONTo ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that discontent exists amongst the men of the Royal Navy in 332 consequence of the expense to which they are put in having to purchase uniforms at their own cost; and whether he will consider, in the Naval Estimates next year, the advisability of asking for a grant so as to ensure that men of the Royal Navy may be provided with an outfit of clothing at the expense of the nation.
§ (Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson.) The expense devolving on the men in connection with the upkeep of their kits will be considerably diminished for the future, as the result of the revision of the seamen's uniform. Part of this revision has already come into effect, whilst the remaining details will shortly be promulgated. A free outfit of clothing is already given, with a very few exceptions, to men on first entry into the service; and it is not intended to propose the change suggested in connection with the forthcoming Estimates.