§ 22. Mr. H. LAWasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is intended to continue, after the conclusion of peace, allowances to officers of His Majesty's Army to cover the cost of providing uniform and other necessary equipment; and whether provision will also be made to cover the expenditure necessarily incurred by officers on the renewal of various items of uniform annually?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe existing arrangements will continue until a date to be announced. Renewals of uniform were expressly taken into account in settling the rates of officers' pay. I am not yet in a position to make any statement as regards subsequent arrangements.
§ Mr. LAWWill the right hon. Gentleman realise that this matter is urgent, because as soon as the Army gets back—if it does—to the scarlet tunics, young officers with £150 to £200 pay will have to pay £250 to £300 for the new outfit, and at least £50 a year for renewal?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe matter will be carefully considered. I think the hon. Gentle man realises that up to now it has been considered from time to time.