36. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary for War what is the sum allowed to soldiers on discharge for the purchase of an overcoat; if a standard price has been fixed for overcoats; if so, what is the amount; what is the cost of the military overcoats now supplied to the Army; and if he will take steps immediately with a view to increasing the allowance under this head to an amount sufficient to enable the men to obtain clothing of a satisfactory and serviceable quality?
Captain GUESTCivilian greatcoats are given to men discharged as physically unfit for further service. They are not issuable to men dispersed on demobilisation, who go away in their Army greatcoats. The soldier entitled to a civilian greatcoat is issued with a coat in kind, but if he declares that he is in possession of a greatcoat of his own and prefers an allowance in cash, he gets 40s. In these circumstances it is not considered necessary to increase the allowance. The cost of the 721 civilian greatcoat to the State is 44s. 3d. The cost of the military overcoat is 49s. 6d.
Sir F. HALLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, unless the men are physically unfit, they are turned out without their overcoats in this bitter cold weather?
Captain GUESTThat is not quite correct. Overcoats are served to men physically unfit and men who have come back from overseas, and in a great many more cases, perhaps, than the hon. Member realises.
Sir F. HALLCannot steps be taken at all events to provide proper clothing for these men who have served overseas?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre all these overcoats rotting that are not taken away?