§ 11. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider granting station commanders power to issue free return railway warrants to any destination in Great Britain, as also special petrol rations to both flying officers and sergeant pilots, whenever they think fit?
Captain BalfourCommanding officers have power to issue to officers and airmen serving under them free return railway warrants for two journeys a year to any place in the United Kingdom. As regards petrol, they may issue to them coupons for leave journeys in addition to their ordinary allotment when other means of transport are not reasonably practicable. Under similar circumstances members of the crews of operational aircraft can obtain additional coupons for leave up to 250 miles in any one month. In addition, petrol rations are issued for other purposes at the rate of 300 miles twice a year. I can assure the hon. Member that the desirability of making special provision in this respect for aircrew personnel is well appreciated, and in consultation 684 with my hon. Friend the Secretary for Petroleum, I have been reviewing these arrangements with a view to increasing these amounts.
§ Mr. StokesWould the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that these officers' wages, salaries or pay are not nearly enough to enable them to travel to far distant homes as frequently as they would like, and will he see that they are given more than two railway passes a year at the discretion of the station commanders, or will he consider the suggestion?