§ 62. Mr. FALLEasked if the new overcoat is to be issued free to all ranks or, if not, then at what price is it to be issued; and if the old overcoats now in use are to be worn out or to be replaced at once by the new?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe overcoat is an optional article of kit and is not included in the free issue. The prices at which it is issued are: £1 1s. 9d. for petty officers and men, £1 4s. 5d. for chief petty officers. As is usual on change of pattern, the men will wear out the coats they have now.
§ Mr. PETOArising out of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, can he say whether the figures he has quoted represent the actual cost price to the Admarilty of the articles in question?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI think I can certainly say that the Admiralty make no profit on them.