HC Deb 19 February 1941 vol 369 cc132-3
7. Mr. Touche

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the valuable services by the Observer Corps and the desirability of its members having a more definite status, he will consider making that corps a command of the Royal Air Force?

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

I fully appreciate the valuable services rendered by the Observer Corps. But any proposal to form a new command of the Royal Air Force would raise wider issues of: organisation and administration.

Mr. Touche

Does my hon. and gallant Friend not think it is time that these men had uniforms?

Captain Balfour

The question of status and other relevant questions, including that of the uniform of the Observer Corps, are now under consideration by my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Mander

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that there is a very great feeling of dissatisfaction among the members of this corps and that a reply is required at as early a date as possible?

Captain Balfour

I am fully aware of many complaints, some justified and some unjustified, as regards conditions in the Observer Corps, and it is for that very reason that my right hon. Friend now has these matters under his consideration.