HC Deb 06 July 1943 vol 390 cc1922-3
37. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the disappointment among pipers in the Home Guard throughout Scotland as a result of his order forbidding the issue of kilts for these bands; and whether he will allow kilts to be issued to Scottish Home Guard pipers so far as they are in stock?

Mr. A. Henderson

Bands are not authorised for Home Guard units, and I regret that the issue of kilts as suggested by my hon. Friend would not be justified.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Minister aware that it is reported to the Home Guard that there are plenty of kilts in stock, and is he aware that it is also reported that when the kilted pipers led the march of the 51st Division into Tripoli even the Prime Minister and all others present were thrilled; and if pipers in the home of the 51st Division in Stirlingshire and the counties of Scotland are to be deprived of the kilt in order to economise in cloth, it would remove the spirit of a nation and is bad economy?

Mr. Henderson

The answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's Question is, I am quite sure, in the affirmative. The answer to the first part is in the negative. My information is that the supply position is such that the kilts have been entirely withdrawn even from Regular units, except for the pipe bands of the Foot Guards and of the Scottish and Irish regiments.

Mr. Woodburn

Could the Minister not arrange that when special parades are taking place kilts should be issued for that occasion?

Mr. Henderson

No, Sir; I am afraid I cannot give that assurance.