§ 2. Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for War the cost of supplying National Service men, holding commissions, with uniform; and what uniforms are provided.
§ Mr. HeadThe bulk of those commissioned have had service in the ranks and have, therefore, already some clothing which, when new, cost £18 2s. 9d. The clothing issued free on commissioning costs £7 7s. 6d. and an outfit allowance of £36 10s. is given to meet the remaining needs. The cost of fitting out a National Service man as an officer is, therefore, £43 17s. 6d. Only battle dress is provided.
§ Mr. BenceIn view of the need for economy in the country, does not the Minister consider it would be just as well to stop the manufacture and issue of these dress uniforms to National Service officers and to put the uniforms in the clothes section of a museum?
§ Mr. HeadNo full dress whatever is issued. As I have stated, only battle dress is issued to National Service officers.