HC Deb 10 July 1939 vol 349 cc1814-5
74. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers in the Royal Tank Regiment, Supplementary Reserve, have been ordered to purchase a pistol-revolver out of their original grant; and, as in certain cases this is a hardship, whether he will consider the revision of the grant?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)

I am not aware of any such order. An officer of the Supplementary Reserve is not required to purchase a revolver.

Mr. Smith

Is the hon. Baronet trying to tell me that is is not aware of the order when I have it in my hand? Does he appreciate that this grant was spent, in many cases, years ago; and would it not be more businesslike, if revolvers are needed by officers, that they should be supplied from the War Office?

Sir V. Warrender

That is what I have tried to tell the hon. Gentleman. I am not aware of any such order.

Mr. Greenwood

Is it not the case that members of the Supplementary Reserve and so on are being called upon to enter into financial obligations which they never anticipated when they first joined?

Sir V. Warrender

This question only deals with revolvers. Revolvers can be stored and issued on mobilisation, and officers will not be required to provide them.