§ 99. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is aware that many civilians legally purchase ex-Government surplus clothing including Servicemen's equipment, and wear this for industrial and other purposes; and as there have recently been prosecutions for civilians wearing service uniforms, whether he will introduce legislation to clarify the law relating to the wearing of service equipment, &c., by civilians.
§ Mr. ReynoldsMy right hon. Friend does not consider that fresh legislation is needed. The Uniforms Act of 1894 makes it an offence for any person not serving in Her Majesty's Military forces to wear, without permission, the uniform of the forces or any dress having the appearance of the uniform or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of the uniform. The Act makes an exception in respect of the wearing of uniforms in plays and the like; and318W it has not been the practice for prosecutions to be brought against people who wear surplus khaki uniform from which military badges, buttons and markings have been removed. The recent prosecutions have been brought against people who have worn distinctive military uniforms or imitations of them as part of their ordinary dress.