53. Captain WATTasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that officers in the Territorial Army are being refused their rebate of Income Tax on £7 10s. in respect of the upkeep of uniform, on the ground that Territorial Army officers received no pay last year owing to the cancellation of Territorial camps; and if he will take steps to make good this amount to the officers concerned?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)I am aware of the position. The matter has been carefully considered, but I regret that a grant of the nature suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend cannot be made from Army funds.
Captain WATTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Territorial officers have to maintain their uniforms, whether they receive any pay or not, and is he aware 1244 that the vast majority of Territorial officers attended camp last year on a voluntary basis?
§ Mr. COOPERI am aware of those facts, but I regret that there are no steps that the War Office can take.
Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENCannot the hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter, as it is this type of grievance that is doing a lot of harm?