§ 36. Sir Geoffrey Shakespeareasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that officers billeted in unfurnished requisitioned houses will not be deprived of their field allowances if such houses are inadequately furnished?
§ Sir J. GriggIn order to remove some of the anomalies which have hitherto existed, it has been decided that in future, whenever possible, an officer's room, if furnished at all, shall be provided at least with a bed, mattress, pillow, table, and chair. If the room is completely unfurnished, field allowance will, of course, continue to be admissible, as before.
§ Sir G. ShakespeareDoes that mean that where such houses are not furnished the field allowance will be immediately restored? If that is so, the solution will be generally welcomed.
§ Sir J. GriggI am not sure that it will be done immediately—it may take a short time to adjust matters—but, broadly, the answer is yes.
§ Mr. BellengerWould it not be more economical for the State to allow these officers to use their camp kit and to draw their field allowances, rather than to provide other furnishings which soldiers should not want?
§ Sir J. GriggNo, Sir; because there is a lot of camp furniture on charge.