§ 73. Mr. HAYDAYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 371 men who served as Volunteers and have been disbanded are now being requested to return the great coats supplied to them or pay the War Office £1 in lieu; whether he is aware that in many cases the coat has been worn out and thrown away; and whether, in view of the services rendered by these men, he will have this requisition cancelled?
§ Mr. FORSTERIt has been clearly laid down that these great coats remain the property of the State, as they do in the Army, and of course have to be surrendered or properly brought forward for condemnation if and when worn out. The permission given to the regular soldier to purchase his great coat for £l if he so desires has been extended to the Volunteer; but this is a separate question from that of a charge against any Volunteer who has thrown away or otherwise disposed of Government property.
§ Mr. BILLINGHaving regard to the work done by the Volunteers in the War and to the fact that they received no medal or compensation of any kind, and having regard to the difficulty the War Office are having in disposing of their cloth, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider letting them keep their old ragged coats?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe question was carefully considered, and I do not think I can go back on the decision.