§ Mr. Ethertonasked the Secretary of State for War whether, to effect a considerable saving in material and to reduce costs in the national interest as well as to increase the comfort of the troops, he will examine the advantages of reducing the length of greatcoats for the Forces to a length proximate to that of the coat known as the British warm?
§ Mr. EdenThe existing dismounted pattern greatcoat was adopted last year after very full investigation; it was decided that a longer coat was necessary in order to give adequate protection to troops on such occasions as when travelling in open vehicles or when at rest during night marches. Certain modifications in the pattern have been recommended in the light of experience since the new coat was introduced, and a number of garments incorporating these improvements have been made up and are being submitted to trial by the troops. One of these alterations is a reduction of two inches in the length of the coat.