§ 27. Mr. E. J. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War whether the clothing allowance of £12 applies retrospectively to persons who have been discharged; and how, and when, the difference between the cash allowance received by them and the £12 will be made.
§ Sir J. GriggThe figure of £12 quoted by my hon. Friend is only a rough approximation of the value of the improved outfit. Soldiers on discharge receive a civilian clothing outfit and not a clothing allowance. With effect from 16th October, 1944, an improved outfit has been issuable. As I have stated in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bootle on 14th November the possibility of making the issue of the new outfit retrospective has been fully considered but this is not practicable.
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenWill the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that there is no intention to step up the amount of cash in lieu of the suit, that is to say, if the soldier does not take the suit the amount he gets is £2 16s. 5d. or thereabouts?
§ Sir J. GriggI think I am right in saying—I have not refreshed my memory recently—that under this scheme, if the man does not take the outfit he gets nothing.