HC Deb 05 July 1949 vol 466 c1950
28. Mr. Frederick Lee

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for an issue of light raincoats for summer wear for the Army.

Mr. M. Stewart

For financial and other reasons, it is not practicable to add a raincoat to the soldier's order of dress. The number of occasions on which a light raincoat could be worn in the summer over battle dress in lieu of a greatcoat would be limited, and would not suffice to justify provision at the expense of public funds.

Mr. Lee

Will my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend to try, in present conditions, marching around with a big pack on his back and wearing a greatcoat? Perhaps he will then consider the matter in a more sympathetic way.

Mr. Stewart

I have had some experience of that kind, but I do not think that my right hon. Friend will guarantee the continuance of the present weather conditions for any considerable period.

Mr. J. Paton

Will my hon. Friend consider, as an alternative, borrowing an idea from the Chinese and letting troops use umbrellas?

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