HC Deb 23 January 1940 vol 356 cc349-51
3. Lieut. - Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for War the present position of the controversy over the withdrawal of the kilt from its use by Scottish regiments?

36 and 37. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) upon what information he has decided that it is impossible to maintain a supply of kilts sufficient to meet the requirements of the number of Highland units which now exist;

(2) the present available stock of kilts not already issued to soldiers?

Mr. Stanley

The present position is that, for technical reasons largely connected with the possible use of gas by the enemy, kilts will not be worn in a theatre of war or for training, but will be replaced by battle dress. For walking out, however, all ranks in possession of kilts may wear them until worn out, but no further issues will be made during the war except to pipers and drummers. It has been decided not to maintain a supply of kilts because the raw materials and necessary manufacturing capacity must be devoted to the supply of dress actually to be used in war in present conditions. The stock of kilts in hand is 12,229, and 12,684 remain to be delivered by manufacturers under existing contracts. This stock would be quite inadequate to meet further issues for walking-out purposes on the scale anticipated. Moreover, the dissipation of this stock during war-time would make it impossible to fulfil the pledge that has been given that kilts will be available for ceremonial and walking out purposes after the war. Should the supply position alter at any time in the future, I should be prepared to look into the matter again.

Sir T. Moore

Can we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that the kilt will be reintroduced as an article of dress after the war?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir, an assurance has already been given and it is in order that that assurance can be implemented that this stock is being retained.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I hold in my hand written statements from nearly all the kilt makers in Scotland and from many of the leading manufacturers of the raw material—tartan—and that those statements indicate that there is no shortage either of the raw material or of manufacturing facilities? In view of those statements will my right hon. Friend be so good as to reconsider this matter?

Mr. Stanley

If there is any alteration in the supply position I will look into it, but that is not my information. The raw material used and the manufacturing capacity for making up these kilts can be used for making the battle dress required in warfare.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the statements to which I refer are made by firms who are not now making any other kind of garment, and therefore they are quite free as regards material and manufacturing facilities to make kilts?

Mr. Stanley

I shall be glad if the hon. Gentleman will send me any information which he has but I must make it quite clear I am not prepared to subordinate the demands for actual fighting dress to the making of kilts.