17. Mr. PIKE PEASEasked whether, in regard to the uniform of the National Guard, the Secretary of State for War will consider the advisability of arranging for the letters G. R. now on the brassard as an armlet to be placed on both sides of the collar, in view of the feeling on this subject; and whether a petition has been received from the Lord Mayor of London requesting that this change should be made?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe brassard was adopted after full consideration as a distinguishing badge for all recognised Volunteer Forces, and cannot now be changed. No letter on the subject from the Lord Mayor has been received at the War Office.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs it not the case that the rules or conditions of the War Office make the wearing of the armlet permissive, and, if that is so, how is it that the Central Association is competent to make compulsory that which the War Office has made permissive?
§ Mr. TENNANTI think that my hon. Friend is mistaken about the War Office rules. It has been laid down by the War Office that the brassard is a necessity. I incorrectly informed the hon. Member earlier in the War that the brassard was optional; that is not so.
§ Sir J. D. REESMay I put another question down?