36. Mr. Bellenģerasked the Secretary of State for War whether officers now being discharged from the Service are eligible for and able to obtain the civilian outfit announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as being part of the war gratuity provisions.
§ 23. Mr. E. J. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War whether the issue of civilian clothes and outfit applies to officers as well as other ranks.
Sir J. GriģģI would refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon) on 29th March.
Mr. BellenģerDid that reply indicate that officers are eligible for, and are getting, a civilian outfit on discharge now?
Sir J. GriģģMy answer gave the information, and perhaps I might read it now. It stated:
… No officer is entitled to a clothing allowance on leaving the Service, but when the release period starts non-Regular officers leaving the Service will be entitled to the same civilian clothing as is given to other ranks." [OFFICIAL REPORT, 29th March, 1945; Vol. 57, C. 1551.]
Mr. BellenģerIs it not a fact that another rank leaving the Service now 1664 does not get a cash allowance, but a civilian outfit? Why cannot officers be treated on the same level now as other ranks?
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenIs not the Minister aware that when the original scheme was launched in October, 1944, a general statement was made which conveyed the idea to the public that officers would benefit as regards the provision of civilian clothing in precisely the same way as other ranks? Why have we gone back on such an undertaking?