HC Deb 12 July 1949 vol 467 cc9-10W
18. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for War by whom Service dress may be worn, and on what occasions; by whom Sam Browne belts may be worn, and on what occasions; to what extent these regulations are enforced; and what alterations in them he proposes in the near future.

Mr. Shinwell

Service dress is obsolescent except for officers of the rank of colonel and above, and officers of horsed units. For the latter, Service dress is the normal dress for mounted parades. Colonels and above are allowed to wear service dress on occasions when not on parade with troops wearing other types of uniform. No other officers are now allowed to buy service dress, but those who still have it may wear it on various occasions, viz., in mess, for walking out, for duties when not parading with troops wearing other uniform, and on certain specified occasions such as Royal investitures, memorial services, and when present as spectators in military parades and ceremonies.

Army officers no longer serving are also allowed to wear Service dress on certain occasions of a ceremonial nature if they wish.

As regards other ranks, Service dress is issued for wear on parades and when walking out by horsed personnel, bandsmen, drummers, pipers and boys. Sam Browne belts may be worn by officers in Service dress, and undress patrol uniform. They may also be worn with swords by officers in No. 1 dress and warrant officers class I in battle dress. The regulations concerning the wearing of Service dress and Sam Browne belts are enforced and no change is anticipated until No. 1 dress is in general use.