§ 14. Captain Macnamaraasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many of the stoppages which bear heavily on the soldier are caused by individual units demanding the purchase of uniform and equipment other than that issued; and whether, where a change in the uniform is desired, he will endeavour to meet the wishes of the units concerned, but, in other cases, he will see that the King's Regulations are enforced and that the soldier be not unnecessarily charged for fancy uniforms or fancy bits of uniform?
Mr. CooperNot only is the introduction of unauthorised uniform or equipment contrary to the regulations, but commanding officers have been specifically instructed that the expense of conforming to any regimental custom must not be allowed to fall on the men. I am aware that a number of units are anxious to obtain authority for certain departures from the authorised uniform and I am considering this.