§ 40. Mr. Bossomasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the cost of a uniform for an officer of the Sea Cadet Corps; and for how many years are such uniforms assumed to continue satisfactory and suitable for use.
§ Mr. CallaghanAbout £38, towards which the officer receives a cash grant of £27. In addition, some other items of uniform are issued from Service stocks free of charge. The life of a uniform varies with the care an officer takes of it and the duties he performs.
§ Mr. BossomIs the Minister aware that there are something like 500 Sea Cadet Corps officers who have been in the Service from six to nine years, whose uniforms are worn out and who are entitled to an allowance of only about £3 in 1952? How does he expect them to preserve a decent appearance and to inspire the young cadets?
§ Mr. CallaghanI do not think that these terms are at all easy. The hon. Member should note that the allowance of £3 a year is tax free. I do not think that a Sea Cadet officer would wear out his uniform, unless his girth increases, to such an extent that would take him much beyond the normal period of replacement.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerIs Purchase Tax included in the cost of the uniform?
§ Mr. CallaghanYes, I believe it is.
§ Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteWill the Sea Cadet Corps be brought within the scope of the inquiry promised yesterday between the Treasury and the Service Departments relating to the whole question of uniform allowances?
§ Mr. CallaghanIf it is not included, I will try to work it so that it is.
§ Mr. BossomDoes not the Minister know that some of these men have been in the Service for nine years, and does he expect that a uniform that has been continually used for that length of time would be properly satisfactory for these officers? The Minister knows, as does everybody else, that this position is very unsatisfactory. Cannot he do anything to correct it?
§ Mr. CallaghanI have worn my uniform at this Box for 10 years, and nobody has commented adversely on it.