HC Deb 13 May 1941 vol 371 cc1053-4
9. Colonel Arthur Evans

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give a rough estimate of the cost of increasing the outfit allowance to Army officers from £30 to £40 as from the date the purchase tax became effective and the additional annual cost?

Captain Margesson

I am afraid that it would not be in the public interest to give these figures, since they would enable the enemy to calculate the number of officers commissioned since the introduction of the Purchase Tax and the number that it is estimated will be commissioned annually.

Colonel Evans

I appreciate that, of course, but does not my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that with the figure at £30 an officer without private means either has to incur a debt or to go without something that might be important, and according to. the War Office official list they are not even expected to wear socks, pants, vests or a macintosh, not to mention other things?

Captain Margesson

Conversations are taking place between my hon. Friend and myself, and perhaps we might leave it at that.

Mr. Thorne

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's statement mean that we are going to impose the means test here?

Mr. Gordon Macdonald

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman also bear in mind that to-day a number of poorer people are being promoted from the ranks to commissioned rank and find themselves in a difficult financial position? Will he consider their cases when he is considering the whole matter?

Captain Margesson

I do not quite appreciate the hon. Member's point. The point raised was that of kit allowance for officers, and, as I have said, certain conversations are going on.

Sir J. Mellor

Assuming that it is fair that officers should have to pay Purchase Tax on normal replacements, does my right hon. and gallant Friend think it fair or desirable that they should have to pay Purchase Tax on their outfits when first commissioned?

Captain Margesson

That is a point which has been dealt with in Questions and answers in this House on many occasions, both by myself and the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.