HC Deb 27 February 1940 vol 357 c1912W
Mr. Thorne

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the men on the "Pretoria Castle" and the "Queen of Bermuda" have to provide their own boots, buttons, badges, topcoats, and all tropical clothing, at the cost of £5 in some cases; and whether, as this is a violation of Article 142 of the Admiralty Code, he can say what action he intends taking about the matter?

Mr. Shakespeare

If the inquiry relates to men of the merchant service entered on the special terms of agreement contained in Admiralty Form T.124 for service in the ships in question, I have no reason to believe that they have not received the uniform clothing and allowances (including the allowance for white clothing) to which they are entitled under the terms of their agreement.