§ 31. Mr. A. Royleasked the Secretary of State for War if he will instruct the Household Brigade to allow non-commissioned officers and guardsmen to walk out in London wearing scarlet tunics.
§ Mr. ProfumoNo, Sir. The idea is attractive, but it would be expensive, and there are already heavy demands on the money we have available to spend on the dress of the Army.
§ Mr. RoyleWill my right hon. Friend reconsider his decision in view of the effect which the wearing of scarlet could have on recruiting? Will he also bear in mind the possibility of guardsmen being responsible for any damage done to their uniforms and paying for it themselves, thereby avoiding extra cost to his Department?
§ Mr. ProfumoI will certainly consider anything my hon. Friend says, but recruiting in the Household Cavalry is already fairly good and it would add very considerably to the annual maintenance cost, which is already £100,000, if I did what he asked.
§ Mr. KershawHow much would it cost?
§ Mr. ProfumoA guardsman's full dress costs about £20 a suit, so my hon. Friend can work it out.