§ 29. Sir Frank Sandersonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider restoring the full-dress uniform to the six senior line regiments which have battalions serving at home, with a view to stimulating recruitment?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hore-Belisha)I am not at present persuaded that it would be fair to discriminate in this way.
§ Sir F. SandersonIs my right hon. Friend aware that in pre-War days it was estimated that more than 60 per cent. of the recruits who joined the forces were attracted by the smart uniforms, and in view of the great expenditure which we are incurring upon the armaments programme, does he not think it would be well worth while to spend a few thousand pounds in attracting recruits to the colours?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI understand my hon. Friend's point of view, but I am not entirely guided by pre-War psychology, and I did feel that if any money could be spared from the Exchequer I should prefer to spend it on amenities for the soldiers rather than on dress. I do not in the least exclude the advisability of proceeding in as many directions as possible, but I have not any more money to spend on this at the moment.
§ Sir A. KnoxDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that at the present day 50 per cent. of the troops serving in the Army provide the blue walking-out dress out of their own pockets, and would it not be providing them with an amenity to pay for that dress?