HC Deb 09 November 1943 vol 393 c1069
73. Mr. Viant

asked the Secretary of State for War the articles of clothing provided to men on discharge from the Services and the sums allowed in lieu thereof?

Sir J. Grigg

As the answer is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the loss and the amount are the same as they were 20 years ago?

Sir J. Grigg

I do not know exactly about what took place 20 years ago.

Mr. Hall

Has there been any change since the last war, as it was inadequate then and is certainly inadequate now?

Sir J. Grigg

I cannot answer about the last war, but it was certainly the same six months ago.

Following are the details:

A soldier discharged from the Army for reasons other than misconduct is given a suit, a cap, a collar and a tie. If he is discharged in winter for medical reasons he is also given an overcoat. In addition the soldier is allowed to retain some of his Army clothes, namely, one pair of boots, three shirts, underclothing, four pairs of socks and one woollen pullover. If the soldier prefers to have cash instead of the overcoat, suit, cap, collar and tie he is given £2 4s. 0d. for the overcoat and £2 15s. 9d. for the other articles.