HC Deb 15 June 1920 vol 130 cc1091-3W
Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Secretary of State for War how many yards of khaki cloth the Government has in store at the present moment?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The following quantities of khaki cloth were in stock on the 31st May:

Yards.
Cloth, Greatcoat, drab mixture 926,031
Serge, drab mixture 2,449,135
Tartan, drab mixture 1,927,862
Bedford cord 254,432
Whipcord 6,195
The present stocks are calculated to cover the requirements of the Regular Army and Reserves and also the Militia and Territorial Army.

Mr. J. GUEST

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the private soldier will be expected to maintain the proposed coloured uniform; and, if so, what will be the average cost to him per annum?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It is intended that the issue of articles of full-dress should be carried out in the same way as articles of service dress uniform. At present all necessary renewals are free but, with the return to pre-War conditions and the re-introduction of the clothing allowance system, soldiers will receive a money allowance to utilise in the maintenance of their uniforms.

Mr. THOMAS

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the estimated average initial cost to infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineer, and Royal Army Service Corps officers of the proposed new uniforms; and what is the estimated average annual cost of maintaining these uniforms?

Mr. CHURCHILL

As I have already explained, during the present financial year, full-dress is to be provided only for the Household Cavalry and Foot Guards, and I dealt with the expenditure involved in the statement which I made on the 8th instant. The full-dress for other arms of the service is being considered with the object of reducing the cost as much as possible, and no final decision affecting the Estimates of this year will be taken on this subject.

Captain W. BENN

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the estimated average initial cost to infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineer, and Royal Army Service Corps officers of the proposed new uniforms; and what is the estimated average annual cost of maintaining those uniforms?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my oral reply to-day to a similar question asked by the right hon. Member for Derby.