Colonel PHILIPPSasked the Secretary of State for War whether the privilege of wearing plain clothes when not on duty extended to non-commissioned officers and men of the regular Army is the same as that extended to the Royal Marines, namely, that permission may be given by commanding officers to non-commissioned officers below the rank of colour-sergeant and to men of good character to dress in plain clothes when on furlough or pass away from their station and subject to the approval of the officer commanding troops and with the concurrence of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief when on pass at their station; and, if so, whether permission under the regulations is granted at all home stations?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe regulations are the same in both cases. As regards the carrying out of this order, the authority is vested in the General Officers Commanding-in-Chief at home, and there is no information in the War Office as to the extent to which this privilege is granted.