HC Deb 09 December 1952 vol 509 cc233-5
30 Mr. Baird

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether National Service personnel have to pay for replacements of socks and other essential clothing discarded as a result of wear and tear;

(2) what allocations of uniforms and equipment are made to National Service men on enlistment; and what replacements are made from time to time for wear and tear;

(3) what charge is made to National Service men for socks and shirts which they have to buy as replacements; and how this price compares with prices of similar articles in the retail market in England.

Mr. Head

A National Service man's clothing and personal equipment when first given to him are provided free. The soldier gets a weekly tax-free allowance out of which he pays for certain articles of clothing when they need to be replaced. The rest of his clothing and equipment is replaced free when it is worn out. On the prices charged for socks, I would refer to my reply to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Exchange (Mrs. Braddock) on 25th November. The price of a flannel shirt is 23s. ld., but the National Service man gets three shirts free when he joins.

Mr. Baird

Is it not disgraceful that National Service men should have to pay for the renewal of socks and shirts worn out as a result of wear and tear? Are they not paying more for socks in the N.A.A.F.I. than they would have to in this country, and, when they return on leave from Germany and other countries, do they not have to buy them here in order to save a few shillings?

Mr. Head

Of the personal clothing issued to a man, some items are replaced free and some have to be paid for by him. He is given a weekly allowance, starting at 8d. and rising, I think, to about ls. 6d., from which he can replace those items. By and large, the number of socks and shirts given to a man should very nearly last out his period of service. The allowance alters annually in accordance with the prices of shirts, socks and other items in the annual cost list issued by the War Office.

Mr. Fernyhough

Is the Minister aware of the dissatisfaction caused to National Service men when they go to be demobbed and find that certain items of equipment have to be paid for before they are given their final chits to leave? Is that the way to encourage them to join the Territorial Army with enthusiasm?

Mr. Head

I was not aware of the fact mentioned by the hon. Gentleman. As he has now informed me about it, I will look into it.

Mr. Baird

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter again, as the allowance is completely inadequate and causes ill-feeling in the ranks?

Mr. Head

If one adds up the total allowance issued for the replacement of kit and compares it with the amount of kit bought, it will be seen that a very large amount of the allowance is not spent.