§ 14. Colonel YATEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether arrangements can be made for officers stationed at home to obtain on payment articles of clothing and equipment from 197 the Ordnance Department in the same way that officers overseas are allowed to draw them?
§ Mr. FORSTERI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on 2nd November to the hon. Member for the College Division of Glasgow.
§ Colonel YATEWill the hon. Gentleman say what that answer was?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes, it was that as regards the necessary articles of equipment officers are enabled to buy from the Ordnance Stores. I am afraid there are no present facilities for enabling them to buy uniforms.
§ Colonel YATEWill the hon. Gentleman try to give those facilities, which would be of great advantage to officers?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have discussed the matter with the Director of Ordnance Stores, and I am afraid it would mean a very heavy expenditure of money in providing the necessary depots.
§ Colonel YATEIf they can do it abroad why cannot they do it at home?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe conditions at home and abroad are quite different. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the opportunities given to officers to purchase uniforms abroad are limited to cases where there is emergency.