§ 109. Mr. BRIDGEMANasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if men joining Territorial Forces immediately on mobilisation only received 10s. gratuity for small kit, and will receive no boots 218 until the force has been embodied for six months, whereas men joining a month later, when Territorial units were forming foreign service regiments, received a free small kit valued at 23s. and a pair of boots valued at 12s. 8d.; and, if so, when steps will be taken to reimburse to men who were first to do their duty the difference which they have had to pay out of their own pockets?
Mr. BAKERAny recruit or man of the Territorial Force who brings in a complete kit of necessaries of his own, including boots, serviceable but not necessarily new, may draw 10s. for it. If he does not do this, he receives what is required in kind. I do not know how the hon. Member has received the impression that the man who draws the 10s. will not be provided with boots for six months. Boots are issued as required in all cases.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANWere the boots supplied in the first six months charged to the Government or taken out of the men's pay?