§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the written guidance given to Service men and their wives on looking after uniforms.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe written guidance provided to date was contained in a periodical liaison letter issued to all units on 2nd December 1976. The letter covered a number of matters which were of no relevance to the question of the better care of clothing, and the relevant passage was as follows:
"IMPROVED CLOTHING MANAGEMENT
10. Pressure on the clothing Vote can be eased by good hubandry within units. Good husbandry has many facets; at its very simplest it includes the philosophy of a stitch in time saves nine' and also the wearing of clothing appropriate to the task being performed. It is inexcusable for instance to service a vehicle wearing unprotected Barrack Dress trousers and Jerseys Heavy Wool. Less obvious is the need to avoid looking upon Wastage Rates as a ration to be consumed regardless of the availability of part worn servicable items. Wherever possible the aim should be to keep within the authorised Wastage Rate and whenever part worn clothing is available it should be laundered and reissued rather than indenting for a new item. Unless we use such methods as these to husband our resources we will find it increasingly difficult to introduce new and improved items or even maintain our existing standards."