§ 71 and 72. Colonel LOCKWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware of the financial disadvantage which exists in the case of officers who belonged to the Volunteers 973 and have served ever since, but who have never had any initial grant on joining the Territorial Force beyond a small sum to defray the cost of converting their Volunteer uniforms into the pattern to be worn by the Territorial Force; whether he proposes to take any action in the matter; and (2) whether anything can be done to remedy the inequity existing between officers who have joined since the declaration of war and also officers who, having previously resigned their commissions, have rejoined since 4th August, who are entitled to a sum of £50 towards the expense of providing themselves with kit, and officers who joined some years ago and have served continuously up to the present time, but who only draw an initial grant of £20, although since mobilisation they have been put to considerable expense for clothing and equipment which in times of peace they do not require?
Mr. BAKERThe hon. and gallant Member's suggests, if I understand him correctly, a system of grants for maintenance of officers' uniforms in addition to the grants for provision. I regret that I cannot see my way to adopt the suggestion.