asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will consider extending to Regular officers and retired Regular officers who have been re-employed the concession regarding the issue of civilian clothing that is to be made to temporary officers who came off service pay on or after 16th. October, 1944.

Retired officers who have been called back from civil life into service are eligible for the same civilian clothing outfit as temporary officers released from service. Officers who were placed formally on the retired list during the war, remaining continuously in service after such formal retirement, are in a different position. As permanent service officers they were not eligible under the regulations for any civilian clothing benefit on retirement, and the grant of civilian clothing to temporary personnel and to retired officers who have been recalled to service does not apply to officers who have been serving since before the war. The rule covers all three Services, and my right hon. Friend does not propose to modify it.