asked the Minister of Pensions whether the great coats loaned to pensioners are old Army stores; what charge is made should the great coat be lost within twelve months, within two years, and after two years, respectively; and whether, seeing that the coats are only lent to men suffering from tuberculosis, and that it is dangerous to health to re-issue them to other persons, he will arrange that, in all cases where it is necessary to loan clothing or blankets to pensioners, in future the great coat or blankets shall be issued free to the men, and not be subject to return?

With a view to protecting the State from loss by improper use or disposal of great coats and blankets loaned to tuberculous pensioners, a small charge has hitherto been made in cases where the pensioner has failed to return, in a reasonable condition, having regard to the period of loan, a great coat or blanket. The whole question of supplying great coats and blankets in tuberculous cases otherwise than by loan is under consideration.