§ 99. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the issues of clothing and accoutrements on repayment to officers of the British Expeditionary Force in France at a fixed scale at Government rates; and whether the same privilege will be given to officers at home and on first appointment, more especially in view of their being as yet no Government factory for uniform for officers corresponding to Pimlico for the rank and file, and to the saving which would accrue to the Government by a possible reduction of outfit allowances to officers, and to the officers themselves compared with the prices charged to them by private outfitters, amounting in many cases to at least 50 per cent.?
§ Mr. FORSTERSo far as uniform is concerned, only small stocks are provided for supply in France to meet the urgent requirements of officers in the field. To deal with officers' uniform in the manner suggested by the hon. Member would involve the establishment of a large clothing depot, which is not contemplated. All articles of equipment as laid down for officers in the field service manuals are issuable on repayment from the Army Ordnance Department.