§ 26. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what instructions are in force regarding the wearing of the kilt by Government employees in St. Andrew's House and elsewhere.
§ Mr. WoodburnThere are no instructions regarding the wearing of the kilt by Government employees in St. Andrew's House.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanAnd elsewhere?
§ Mr. Woodburn"Elsewhere" is a wide term. They wear the kilt in the Army and in the streets, and in some parts of the Highlands. I am not quite clear what the hon. and gallant Gentleman means by "elsewhere."
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanI do not wish to refer to the courts. I mean all Government offices.
§ Mr. WoodburnSo far as my information goes, there is no prohibition against wearing the kilt in Government offices, although it is appropriate that people should wear the dress which is suitable for the place they are in and I am not sure that kilts are the best dress for office work.
§ Mrs. MannWill my right hon. Friend give an assurance that under no circumstances will effeminate, knock-kneed men be allowed to wear the kilt?
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanAs I do not come in that category, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will be sure that people do not wear more than one kilt each?
§ Mr. WoodburnI cannot guarantee that; I understand that ladies are sometimes accused of wearing more than one kilt.