42. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for War whether the Government have yet arrived at any decision as to whether civilian overcoats are to be given to men on demobilisation, in view of the services rendered by the men and the cost of providing overcoats themselves?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo change is contemplated in the conditions under which a civilian greatcoat is issuable to a soldier, as explained in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 17th February. Any discharged soldier may retain his military greatcoat, removing the shoulder-straps and changing the buttons, but the sum of £1 held against the return of the greatcoat is not in that case refunded to him.
Sir F. HALLIs my right hon. Friend aware that when I asked this question a fortnight ago he said the matter would be further looked into with a view to a little more attention being given to it?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe examination it has received has not led to any change being made in the practice.
§ Colonel ROYDSDoes that answer apply to the Volunteer Force?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI should think so. I am not sure, but as far as soldiers are concerned £1 is taken from their pay, and when they return the greatcoat they get 199 their sovereign back. If they like to keep the greatcoat there is nothing more said about it.
Sir F. HALLIs my right hon. Friend aware that many of these greatcoats are not worth anything like a sovereign? They are practically used up by the time the men come home.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe man has only to take his coat back and he will get a sovereign.