§ 11. Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement regarding complaints about food conditions at the R.A.F. station about which he has been notified?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)The messing arrangements at this station have been investigated. No complaints have been made at the station about the quality or quantity of the food, which I understand to be well up to standard. The strength of the station is, however, at present much above establishment, and as a result it is necessary for airmen to form queues outside the dining room. Ways and means of relieving this temporary congestion are under examination.
§ Mr. RileyIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, owing to the congestion at that station, airmen have been compelled to spend as much as £2 each to get food outside, as they could not get it at the station?
§ Captain BalfourI am aware of the congestion, and I am aware of the letter which my hon. Friend sent to the Secretary of State saying that an airman had to spend 40s. a week on food. As the work stops at 5.30 in the afternoon, 40s. would mean two full meals a day after 1522 5.30, which is rather much even for a youthful airman's appetite.