Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain military units now stationed in Essex are without greatcoats; whether any of the members of these units when on sentry duty have suffered through exposure to the weather; and whether he will give the explanation of such shortages of Army clothing as exist and the steps being taken to remedy them?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe present shortage of clothing is due to the enormous increase in requirements resulting from the expansion of the Army, and to the time 541W necessary to obtain the increased productive capacity for making material and making up the garments. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply that the difficulties are being overcome, and already the rate of production of greatcoat cloth a week has practically reached the maximum production in the last war. Pending the provision of a full supply of greatcoats, authority has been given for the local purchase of overcoats where necessary. There is no trace of a report from these units of any suffering through exposure on sentry duty.