§ 28. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made for men demobilised from the Forces in Malaya to be shipped with suitable clothing in view of the change of temperature between Malaya and Great Britain.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe articles of clothing which should be in the possession of a soldier moving from one station to another are defined in Clothing Instructions. They include woollen gloves, jersey, battle-dress and greatcoat, and, during the winter season, woollen underwear for soldiers drafted from tropical to temperate climates. Stations overseas are periodically reminded of these instructions.
§ Colonel HutchisonIn view of that answer, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the case of certain Scottish soldiers returning from Malaya, who were issued with two blankets for the voyage but were otherwise in tropical kit until arriving at Aldershot, where they were issued with battledress and greatcoat, which were so dirty that they refused to have them, with the result that they caught colds?
§ Mr. ShinwellIt was only in July of this year that we issued these precise instructions to the Far East Command, but if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will let me have specific information I will certainly look into it.
§ Brigadier HeadIs it in order for a Scottish soldier to wear woollen underwear?