Captain COOTEasked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to dispose of the uniforms discarded by demobilised or discharged men; whether these uniforms are being sold to dealers for trifling sums; and whether, in view of the present cost of civilian clothing, he will allow demobilised and discharged men to take away their uniforms and wear them for a certain period after demobilisation or discharge?
Captain GUESTDiscarded uniforms withdrawn from soldiers are not sold to dealers for trifling sums. Where fit for further use they are cleaned and reissued to serving soldiers. If unserviceable, they are reduced to rags and the produce is sold to manufacturers for remanufacture. The proceeds from this disposal represent a considerable revenue to the State. As regards the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, on demobilisation soldiers take away one suit of Service dress uniform, which they retain as their own property, and which they are permitted to wear for twenty-eight days after demobilisation.