§ 106. Mr. J. Lewisasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that men serving in the Army, R.A.F. and R.M. and women who serve in these Forces, are permitted to wear civilian clothes when off duty and to walk out of their camps so clad; and when he intends to grant similar privileges to R.N. personnel, many of whom are based ashore.
Mr. DugdaleHitherto shortage of lockers in Naval Shore Establishments has made it impossible to revert to the prewar practice, under which chief petty officers, petty officers, and non-commissioned officers of the Royal Marines of the rank of sergeant and above might wear plain clothes when proceeding on leave from or returning, to shore establishments. Every effort is, however, being made to provide the necessary facilities despite the difficulties arising from shortage of accommodation. The Admiralty hopes to restore this privilege as soon as circumstances permit.
As regards lower ratings who in prewar days were subject to many restrictions in the wearing of plain clothes, it is the Admiralty's intention, as I said in my speech introducing the Navy Estimates, to grant them the privilege of wearing plain clothes when off duty with more freedom than in prewar days. An Admiralty Fleet Order permitting plain clothes to be worn by ratings outside barracks is shortly being issued.