HC Deb 24 May 1939 vol 347 cc2278-80
25. Mr. Perkins

asked the Secretary of State for Air the total number of men under the age of 25 who have been unable to learn to fly under the Civil Air Guard scheme owing to the Civil Air Guard being full up; and the total number of women over the age of 25 at present under instruction under the Civil Air Guard scheme, or holding A licences as a result of training under this scheme?

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)

Applicants to join the Civil Air Guard are not required to state their age at the time of application, but only when examined for vacancies for definite enrolment. The total number of women over the age of 25 at present under instruction is 338. Of this total, 118 are in possession of pilot's licences of whom 59 have gained their licences since joining the Civil Air Guard.

Mr. Perkins

Has there been any alteration in the scheme?

Captain Balfour

After consultation between the Ministry and the Civil Air Guard it has been approved that as long as there are men whose age may render them suitable for entering one of the categories for service in the Royal Air Force, preference will be given to men under 40, but the proportion of men over 40 and women shall not together exceed 10 per cent. of the total membership of each unit. Men over 40 qualified as pilots will not be subject to restriction as to numbers.

Miss Rathbone

Instead of limiting the number why not extend the facilities for training rather than limit the number of men and women over 25 who can be trained?

Captain Balfour

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Order Paper.

31. Sir Frank Sanderson

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that persons who, purely from patriotic motives, join the Civil Air Guard, are put to considerable expense in travelling to and from the aerodromes and, in addition to giving up their time for lectures and drills, are compelled to provide themselves with uniform, he will consider making some allowance to cover the cost of uniform?

Captain Balfour

With the aid of a contribution from public funds the Civil Air Guard scheme provides facilities for flying instruction at reduced rates for men and women wishing to fly. While fully appreciating both the spirit that prompts these men and women to come forward for flying instruction and the value of the Civil Air Guard movement generally, I do not consider, in all the circumstances, that provision of uniform at public expense would be justified.

Sir F. Sanderson

Is it not a fact that these men are compelled to acquire uniforms, and seeing also that they are volunteers, does not my hon. and gallant Friend consider that they are justified in expecting that the cost should be covered from the National Exchequer? Is he also aware that at the present time they have to pay between 10s. and £1 per cent. increase on their life insurance, and in view of the fact that they are now being asked to volunteer for foreign service, does he not consider that these errors should be rectified?

Captain Balfour

Firstly, there is no compulsion on any member of the Civil Air Guard to wear a uniform; secondly, they are not being asked to volunteer for foreign service; and, thirdly, the financial arrangements for the Air Guard scheme were fully notified, and there should be no misunderstanding among the members that the conditions under which they can get flying training for this service at a very low cost to themselves are made largely at the Government's expense, and that the Government's contribution could not go beyond that which was agreed upon with the clubs at the inception of the scheme.

Sir F. Sanderson

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the men have, in fact, been asked to volunteer for foreign service? If he wishes, I can give him proof that that is so.

Captain Balfour

I should be glad to receive any information as to some misconception which may have existed in some particular unit. I can only give an assurance that there has been no request by the Commissioners that the men should be asked to volunteer for any foreign service.

Sir W. Lindsay Everard

Are not all the members of the Civil Air Guard expected to wear uniforms? My hon. and gallant Friend said he thought they were not, but I understand that they have to do so.

Captain Balfour

The Commissioners expressed the hope that the members would get a uniform which is provided by themselves, but there is no obligation, nor is it a condition of their training, that they must acquire it.

Mr. Macquisten

Would it not be very uncomfortable for one man in a dozen to be without a uniform because he could not afford it?