HC Deb 03 February 1944 vol 396 cc1407-8
74. Sir W. Davison

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that, while officers in the Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps receive a grant of £20 in respect of uniform, together with the necessary clothing coupons, Army Cadet Force officers receive no monetary allowance or clothing coupons for the purchase of uniform and have also to provide themselves with overcoats and boots; and will he see that Army Cadet Force officers receive the same allowances in respect of uniform which are already provided for Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps officers.

Mr. Henderson

An officer in the Army Cadet Force receives his uniform free as an issue and he consequently does not need a cash allowance or coupons.

Sir W. Davison

In view of the desirability of obtaining as many recruits as possible for the Army Cadet Corps, is it not desirable that the same arrangements with regard to uniform should be available as in the case of the Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps officers? Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is considerable feeling as to the difference between the three corps?

Mr. Henderson

I do not think it is practicable at present to alter the basis on which the outfit is given. In the case of the Sea Cadet Corps officer or the Air Training Corps officer it is partly on a cash basis whereas the Army Cadet Force officer is given his uniform.

Lieut. - Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Is it not a fact that, with the present cost of uniform, Army Cadet officers are doing a good deal better?

Captain Duncan

Is it not a fact that the uniform does not include overcoat and boots but only battle dress, anklets and cap, and will the hon. and learned Gentleman see that an overcoat and boots are issued?

Mr. Lipson

What is the cash value of the outfit given to the Army Cadet officer so that we can compare it with the grant given to the other officers?

Mr. Henderson

I should require notice of that Question.

Sir A. Southby

Is it not a fact that overcoats are not issued to cadets and, that being so, they can hardly be issued to officers?