§ 33. Sir ALFRED BEITasked the Postmaster-General what is the reason for the change to be made in the type of hat for postmen and what type of hat is to be adopted?
34. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Postmaster-General for what reasons it has been decided to alter the headgear of postmen; what is the new pattern; and what is the estimated cost of the change?
§ Sir K. WOODThe change from the shako to a cap of Brodrick pattern was authorised at the request of the postmen; it is being made as and when issues become due in normal course and the existing stocks of shakos become exhausted; and there is no additional cost.
§ Sir A. BEITIs it not a fact that the new type of hat does not give as great. a protection from the elements as the old type, which is regarded only as one of the most useful relics of the Victorian period?
§ Sir K. WOODThere is a good deal of difference of opinion about this matter, and I think the best plan would be to give the new cap a try out and see what the results may be. This change has been made at the request of the wearers of the caps.
Captain CROOKSHANKWill the right hon. Gentleman say how it is that 1229 at the very moment the Army is giving up one type of cap the Post Office is adopting it?
§ Sir K. WOODI have already stated that this change was decided on some time ago, before there was any alteration so far as the Army is concerned, and it was made at the request of the men themselves.
§ Mr. THORNEAre these new caps being made by the Army Clothing Department or by private contractors?
§ Sir K. WOODI must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. HICKSWill the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to wear one of these caps in the House of Commons?
§ Sir K. WOODI have already worn one, but I must ask my hon. Friend to look at it and ask himself how he thinks I would appear in it.