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Far East Stations (Dress)

Volume 657: debated on Thursday 5 April 1962

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38

asked the Secretary of State for War what official advice has been given to the wives of Servicemen in Singapore about the appropriate dress to be worn in public; and if he is aware of the resentment caused by criticism of the wearing of shorts and abbreviated clothing in view of the humidity of the atmosphere which can be very trying for women from this country.

All families who go to stations in the Far East are given a pamphlet to help and advise them. It is called "The Family Guide to the Far East". The latest edition explains that because of the difference in customs, shorts and similar clothes do not go down well with the local inhabitants. It advises avoiding these sort of clothes except for sports, on the beach, or at home. There is no question of orders, but commanding officers have been asked to draw attention to this advice and explain the reasons for it.