Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary for War what is the sum allowed to soldiers on discharge for the purchase of an overcoat; if a standard price has been fixed for overcoats; if so, what is the amount what is the cost of the military overcoats now supplied to the Army; and if he will take steps immediately with a view to increasing the allowance under this head to an amount sufficient to enable the men to obtain clothing of a satisfactory and serviceable quality?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLCivilian greatcoats are given to men discharged as physically unfit for further service. They are not issuable to men dispersed on demobilisation, who go away in their Army greatcoats. The soldier entitled to a civilian 305W greatcoat is issued with a coat in kind, but if he declares that he is in possession of a greatcoat of his own and prefers an allowance in cash, he gets 40s. In these circumstances it is not considered necessary to increase the allowance. The cost of the civilian greatcoat to the State is 44s. 3d. The cost of the military overcoat is 49s. 6d.