HC Deb 04 November 1912 vol 43 cc837-8
71. Mr. BURGOYNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether petty officers promoted to the rank of chief petty officer are allowed a grant of £5 towards the additional cost of their uniforms; if so, whether such allowance is made in the case of similar ratings in the coastguard; and whether, if not made, and in view of the wear and tear of clothing being approximately the same in both services, he will consider this grant being made to chief petty officers in the coastguard in the future?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The gratuity referred to was instituted in 1891, and the coastguard have never shared in it. Service in the coastguard is not so severe as at sea, and the men are saved expense in many other ways. It is not proposed to extend the grant to them.