§ 38. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the question of permitting invalided and wounded soldiers discharged from the Service to continue to wear their uniform till the end of the War?
§ Mr. FORSTERThis proposal has been considered and rejected as inexpedient and impracticable. It would open the door to fraud and to serious misuse of uniform, of which one result would be to bring His Majesty's uniform into disrepute. There are already a considerable number of cases of frauds perpetrated and made possible by the bogus use of uniform. There would also be difficulties about the maintenance of uniform in proper condition. My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that a special badge for soldiers, discharged owing to physical disability due to service in the field, has been approved. Instructions as to the supply of this badge will very shortly be issued.