§ Sir S. Reedasked the Home Secretary whether air-raid precautions units have been called upon to send particulars for a service kit for wardens; whether such kit would be for parade purposes and not for essential work; why he considers that wardens are not already adequately equipped for their work with the present issues; and what would be the cost of the service kit if issued?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonIf by "service kit" my hon. Friend means uniform, I would refer him to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for North Tottenham (Mr. R. C. Morrison) on 22nd May, of which I am sending him a copy. Local authorities may, if they wish, purchase on a grant-aided basis serge uniforms, overcoats, boots, anklets and berets at a cost of about £6 10s., including Purchase Tax, for each outfit or proportionately less if some items are omitted. The cost of the corresponding outfit for women will be rather less. The new uniforms will be a working dress and instructions have been given that where they are issued the bluette overalls previously worn are to be withdrawn and put to one of many uses for which they are needed. The new uniforms are intended to meet a need which I have no doubt exists in many areas and for many duties.