§ 25. Sir A. Gridleyasked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been finally decided that the new Militia are to be supplied with berets to be worn when off duty; whether he will arrange for the supply of a headgear more suitable and more English in type, such as a soft-felt hat; and whether he has sought the advice and co-operation of the hat industry on this subject?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaA beret was thought to be the most suitable and convenient form of headgear.
§ Mr. Robert GibsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman not consider that the Balmoral or Kilmarnock bonnets would be better?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI imagine that the beret is a degenerate form of that particular type of headgear.
§ Mr. GibsonWhy encourage degeneracy?
§ Lieut.-Commander AgnewWill not my right hon. Friend consider substituting for the beret an English tweed cloth cap?
§ Mr. F. AndersonAre these berets made wholly in this country?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, and that is one reason why we have selected them.