§ MR. BRAMSDON (Portsmouth)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the disadvantage which noncommissioned officers in the Army above the rank of sergeant are subject to as compared with rank and file soldiers, in regard to the privilege of wearing plain clothes at their stations when off duty; that on some stations general officers grant the permission and others do not; and whether he will take steps to secure uniformity in the matter.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. HALDANE, Haddington)My hon. friend is mistaken in supposing that the rank and file possess any privilege in regard to the wearing of plain clothes at their stations as compared with the noncommissioned officers. In tins respect they are on the same footing, except that sergeants and superior ranks are permitted to keep plain clothes in barrack rooms. Under the King's regulations non-commissioned officers and men may be allowed to wear plain clothes when proceeding on 1126 furlough, or pass, or for purposes of recreation. It is not considered expedient to interfere with the discretion of the general officers commanding in such matters.