§ Mr. LAWSONasked whether the Army Council have considered the various schemes for supplying boots of standard strength and utility adopted by Territorial associations and Territorial units; and, if so, whether they are prepared to recommend any particular plan and to facilitate its adoption?
§ Mr. MALLETThis question has been carefully considered by the Army Council and their views have been fully explained to the associations. The latter are prohibited from purchasing boots out of their public funds, but it has been suggested that they might arrange contracts under which individual men could obtain suitable boots at reasonable prices, receiving compensation under the regulations for wear of the boots on military service. I do not think it desirable to interfere further with the discretion of the associations in the matter.
§ Viscount VALENTIAAre we to understand that the associations are precluded from making boot allowances?
§ Mr. MALLETYes. They are not allowed to use public funds for that purpose. But they are permitted to make some allowance for wear and tear.
§ Mr. LAWSONMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he suggests it is not possible for the various units to make arrangements for the purchase of boots?
§ Mr. MALLETWe think that this is really a matter which should be left to the regimental officers. If they would interest themselves in it and discuss it with the recruits the young fellows would probably be able to give a good deal of assistance.