HC Deb 08 June 1943 vol 390 cc534-5
59. Mr. Salt

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that former Royal Air Force officers who volunteered to serve again in the crisis of three years ago, and are now released for essential work, have to return one-third of the uniform allowance of £40; whether he is prepared to amend this rule; and whether he will make some restitution to officers who have already made such repayments?

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

No refund of outfit allowance is required of an officer of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who is temporarily released from service. When, however, an officer is allowed to resign his commission before he has completed three years' effective service, refund may be required unless his departure from the Service is involuntary, such as in cases of invaliding or where work of national importance is being taken up at the request of a Government Department. The amount to be refunded is reduced by one-third for each complete year of service. I am not aware of any grounds for varying these arrangements but if my hon. Friend has any case of hardship in mind and will let me have particulars I will gladly look into it.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Hannah.

Mr. Ralph Etherton

Could I not ask a Supplementary Question on Question 59?

Mr. Speaker

We must get on. There are many more Questions on the Order Paper.