HC Deb 15 December 1919 vol 123 c147

Motion made, and Question proposed, That a sum, not exceeding £1,020,000, be granted to His Majesty, to defray the Expense of Quartering, Stores (except Technical), Supplies, Animals, and Transport of the Air Force, which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1920, in addition to a sum of £5,083,000 to be allocated for this purpose from the sum of £45,000,000 voted on account of Air Services generally.

Captain BENN

There is an item in this Vote for clothing of £2,195,000, including for the Women's Royal Air Force a sum of £45,000 for clothing. Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether it is a fact that a few days before the demobilisation of the Women's Royal Air Force or a short time before that an entirely new uniform was issued to them. I am in accord with the view that there should be a distinctive uniform, but surely it was unwise to issue a new outfit to the Women's Royal Air Force when it was about to be demobilised.

Mr. CHURCHILL

It is true that the final wind up of the Women's Royal Air Force was much more rapid than was at one time contemplated. There was what was, perhaps, a pardonable reluctance to scrap and disband a force which had rendered such admirable service and it led to the view being formed that they would be continued rather longer than was the case. Certain articles of clothing were issued and purchased which, had it been known that they were not to continue, would undoubtedly have been dispensed with. But on the whole the more rapid demobilisation which has taken place has overtaken that expenditure and has provided economy of a different character which on the balance leads to a position of advantage.

Question put, and agreed to.