HC Deb 15 November 1944 vol 404 cc1939-40
15. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are taken to ensure that bicycles issued to personnel at R.A.F. stations are provided with lamps both front and rear.

Captain Balfour

It is clearly laid down in regulations that bicycles provided for R.A.F. personnel are to be issued from store complete with front and rear lamps. Bulbs and batteries can be renewed on application. A temporary shortage of lamps occurred recently at a station of which the hon. Member has informed me, but this has now been rectified.

Sir W. Smithers

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there have been scores of summonses; that personnel of the Royal Air Force are being summoned through no fault of their own, and will he try to help them?

Captain Balfour

I think the magistrates have helped by being very lenient in their view as to this crime. It was an unfortunate occurrence due to the fact that the station changed commands; the units changed at the same time and the outgoing unit took away a lot of bicycle lamps.