HC Deb 19 December 1944 vol 406 cc1592-3
10. Mr. Astor

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the grant for tropical clothing given to A.T.S. officers going to India and S.E.A.C. does not cover the cost of purchasing the outfit of tropical clothes which his Department advises them to take; and will he take immediate steps to increase this grant to cover the minimum cost.

Sir J. Grigg

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 7th November.

Mr. Astor

Does my right hon. Friend think it right that A.T.S. officers going out there should have to pay, out of their own pocket, a substantial sum in order to get the clothes which his Department tells them are necessary in that climate?

Sir J. Grigg

As I said before, my Department does not tell them what is necessary, but advises them what it would be useful to take. In any case, if my hon. Friend will refer to my previous answer he will find the reasons given for the present practice.

Miss Ward

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that only people of private means can volunteer to go to India?

Sir J. Grigg

Practically no A.T.S. personnel have been sent to India on British account. A small number have been sent out to help the Government of India, and they come under the Government of India Regulations.