HC Deb 14 July 1931 vol 255 cc223-4
27. Captain TODD

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider authorising the issue of socks to the men of the Territorial Army and issuing a second plate to them while in camp?

Mr. SHAW

Apart from boots, which are issued in order to ensure that the Territorial soldier is shod suitably for his duties, it is not the practice to provide members of the Territorial Army with articles of clothing which are normally required by them in civilian life, and I see no reason to make an exception to this rule in the case of socks. As regards the issue of a second plate, I am advised that there is no ground for altering the present scale of issue, which is the same for the Territorial Army as for the Regular Army.

Captain TODD

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that as the Territorial Army is such a cheap force, the men might be treated in this way?

Mr. SHAW

As the Territorial Army is a force that offers itself for service on specific occasions, it is an honour to be treated exactly as the Regular Army.