20 and 21. Miss Wardasked the Secretary of State for India (1) whether the additional £5 Indian allowance for the purpose of purchasing tropical kit has been paid to the officers of the A.T.S.;
(2) whether he is aware that the amount allowed for the purchase of tropical kit does not provide adequate changes of clothing for either men or women, and, in view of the need for providing the highest possible degree of comfort for serving personnel, will he consider the position.
§ The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)The position requires some clarification. Officers proceeding to India, including those of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, receive the tropical kit allowance which is admissible under War Office regulations to officers going to any other tropical country, i.e. £10. If my hon. Friend wishes to pursue the general question of the adequacy of the allowance I must ask her to approach my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War, whose Department is responsible for the regulations. As regards those officers of the Auxiliary Territorial Service who have been lent to the Government of India to assist them with the Women's Auxiliary Corps (India), I am in telegraphic correspondence with the Government of India and on receipt of their reply will communicate again with my hon. Friend.
Miss WardWould it not be a good thing for my right hon. Friend as Secretary of State for India to advise the Secretary of State for War that the allowances are not sufficient? Is it not a fact that he is supposed to know the conditions in India, and would be the suitable person to give advice?
§ Mr. AmeryAs I said, I think this is a matter in which my hon. Friend should deal with the Secretary of State for War.
Mr. AstorIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his right hon. Friend refused point-blank yesterday to say what clothes were needed, what was the purchase price of these clothes in India or London, or whether the amount given covered the purchase price? Is it not a most unsatisfactory situation?