HC Deb 02 April 1957 vol 568 c225
31. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in the interests of economy, he will amend Queen's Regulations for the Army so as to include a provision similar to Regulation 1105 of Queen's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions for the Royal Navy.

Mr. John Hare

Supplies of razor blades should be adequate to avoid any need for the action suggested by the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Hughes

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that if soldiers were allowed to wear beards, that might solve the problem of the 8 million razor blades? Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an explanation, a rational explanation, of why sailors should be allowed to wear beards when soldiers are not?

Mr. Hare

I think that the hon. Gentleman is suggesting the worst of both worlds to me. Unless I am careful I may find that I have to deal with a surplus of beards as well as a surplus of razor blades.