§ 42. Mr. Royleasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that officers reporting for duty as Z Reserve officers at Lulworth Camp, Dorset, are instructed, in the absence of mess uniform, to wear dinner jackets in the mess; how far this order is general in all Z Reserve camps; and if he appreciates the embarrassment caused to officers who are not in possession of such clothing.
§ Mr. HeadExisting instructions provide that on no occasion shall the wearing of a dinner jacket be obligatory for officers, and the commanding officer of this unit has been reminded of the fact.
§ Mr. RoyleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of these officers, an officer with distinguished service throughout the war in Burma, had to eat out at a local café every night to avoid embarrassment, and that another one was asked not to attend on guest nights lest the absence of a dinner jacket should create a ticklish position? Is it not rather ridiculous that any commanding officer should insist on this?
§ Mr. Ellis SmithIt applies to more than the Army.
§ Mr. HeadI have been into this question, and six officers dined in the 1973 mess dressed as I am now at the present time. As regards the ticklish position, perhaps that referred to wearing battle-dress in hot weather.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are far more stuffed shirts in the Labour Party than at Lulworth Camp?