HC Deb 18 November 1942 vol 385 c337
34. Mr. Walter Edwards

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the cash allowance, in lieu of civilian clothes, given to men discharged from the Royal Navy?

Mr. Alexander

The cash allowance now given to men discharged from the Royal Navy, to assist them in providing themselves with civilian clothes, is £2 15s. 10d., which is the same as that given to men discharged from the other fighting Services. Alternatively, he may be given a civilian suit, cap, collar and tie.

Mr. Edwards

Does my right hon. Friend agree that such a sum is grossly inadequate, especially at the present time, and will he reconsider the position, with the object of making a substantial increase?

Mr. Alexander

This is the result of a revision which brought what was certainly an unsatisfactory allowance into line with that for the other Services. A review would be a matter for application to the whole of the Services.

Mr. Edwards

In view of the fact that the amount has been increased from 18s. 8d. to £2 15s. 10d., would it not be as well for another revision to take place, with a similar increase?

Mr. Alexander

I shall be very glad to consult with the other Service Ministers on the point.

Mr. Montague

In addition to supplying the man with a cap, would it not be as well to supply him with some string to tie up his parcels?

Mr. Mathers

Is the payment the same in summer as in winter?