HC Deb 02 June 1943 vol 390 c176
9. Mr. Perkins

asked the Secretary of State for Air what alterations in Royal Air Force uniforms are being considered; and whether he will assure the House that pre-war members of the Volunteer Reserve will receive equal treatment with auxiliaries?

13. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to abolish the wearing of the letters "V.R." on the lapels of officers' tunics?

Captain Balfour

Instructions are about to be issued that the distinguishing V.R. badge will no longer be worn by officers and warrant officers of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. During the war all entries into the Air Force have been in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve so that a distinguishing badge of this kind is no longer appropriate. Nor would it be feasible to make a distinction in this respect between those members of the Volunteer Reserve who joined before the war and those who have joined it since. As for the Auxiliary Air Force, this is comprised solely of pre-war members and the same considerations do not apply and their distinguishing badge will in consequence be retained.

Commander Agnew

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend, at the same time as he is introducing these alterations in R.A.F. uniforms, also take into consideration another means by which great economy could be secured, namely, the abolition of patch and pleated pockets, as has been done in the case of the Army?

Captain Balfour

That is a different question, but I will take note of it.

Mr. Denville

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend also do something about brass buttons?

Captain Balfour

There is another Question about that on the Paper.