§ 38. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for War why men now being called up to the Army under the National Service Acts are not issued with handkerchiefs; and, as they have to hand in any surplus coupons to the authorities prior to joining up, if he will arrange for the issuing of handkerchiefs together with other articles of Service clothing.
§ Mr. BellengerNo, Sir. Handkerchiefs have never been supplied to soldiers from military sources, and there would appear to be no reason why National Service men should be treated differently in this respect from other soldiers. Ever since clothing rationing was introduced commanding officers have been empowered to issue coupon-equivalent certificates to soldiers to enable them to buy their own handkerchiefs from civilian retailers.
§ Mr. JannerIs my right hon. Friend aware that the information is not given to the soldiers, that they have not the opportunity of obtaining the necessary 862 coupons for handkerchiefs, that all their coupons are taken from them when they join the Army, and that consequently, great hardship is being caused to a great number of people?
§ Mr. BellengerI should be very much surprised if soldiers joining the Army do give up all their coupons. After all, I have a son myself.