§ Mr. Ethertonasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the average Army greatcoat takes about 16½ inches more of standard 56–57-inch width cloth than the average Royal Air Force greatcoat and that the average Civil Defence greatcoat takes as much cloth as the average Army greatcoat; and whether he will examine, in conjunction with the Secretary of State for War and the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the practicability of substantial saving in material by shortening the Army greatcoat, particularly that issued to administrative personnel, and also shortening the Civil Defence greatcoat?
§ Mr. PeatThe pattern of the Army greatcoat has recently been considered by the Army authorities, and it has been decided that no change should be made as under campaigning conditions the greatcoat may be the only covering available to the solder at night; it would not be practicable to issue a different greatcoat 1647W to administrative personnel. The Royal Air Force are not so liable to have to sleep out at night without other covering. The pattern of the Civil Defence greatcoat is now under consideration in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security with a view to economy of cloth.