HC Deb 06 May 1941 vol 371 cc716-7W
Colonel A. Evans

asked the Secretary of State for War how the figure of £30, which is allowed by the War Office to a newly-commissioned officer for the purchase of his outfit, was arrived at; and if he will furnish full details as to the sug- gested expenditure of this amount, bearing in mind the purchase tax which is deducted by the outfitters.

Captain Margesson

The outfit allowance of £30 which is made to newly commissioned officers is based on the prices at which member firms of the National Federation of Merchant Tailors, the Association of London Master Tailors and the Scottish Federation of Merchant Tailors, or in the case of some articles, the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, will supply the following items, exclusive of Purchase Tax: —

Service Dress—

  • 1 cap field service drab (or other appropriate pattern).
  • 1 jacket, service dress.
  • 1 pair trousers, service dress (a).
  • 1 greatcoat
  • 2 shirts.
  • 4 collars.
  • 1 tie.
  • 2 pairs ankle boots.
  • 1 pair gloves.
  • 1 whistle and lanyard.
  • 1 belt Sam Browne or cloth.
  • 1 waterbottle (b).

Battle Dress—

  • 1 blouse (b).
  • 1 pair trousers (b).
  • 1 cap field service drab (or other appropriate pattern) (b).
  • 1 pair anklets, web (b).
  • 2 overalls (working clothing, provided as necessary) (b).

  1. (a) Or trews, tartan, in the case of Scottish regiments.
  2. (b) To be obtained from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps on payment when stocks permit.

As regards the effect of the Purchase Tax, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox) by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on 23rd April last.