§ 3. Mr. Edgar Granvilleasked the Secretary of State for War why he has issued instructions for discontinuing the wearing of the single wing, the observer's badge of the R.F.C. in the last war.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Sir James Grigg)The instruction referred to by the hon. Member is not new. It repeats an instruction which has been in force since June, 1940, and I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend then Joint Under-Secretary of State for Air, on 8th December, 1942, to my hon. Friend the Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams).
§ Mr. GranvilleIn view of the fact that these very gallant men won the badge for operations during the last war, and that there are very few of them left, can there be any harm in continuing to allow them to wear the observer's wings; and will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider the decision of 1942?
§ Sir J. GriggIt is not a question of my reconsidering it. The policy is one for the Air Ministry. I merely pass on their decision in Army Council Instructions.
§ Mr. GranvilleIn view of the fact that I asked the Secretary of State for Air a similar question before Christmas, and he referred me to the Secretary of State for War, would not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this decision, and give these men permission to wear this badge on their uniform?
§ Sir J. GriggI cannot, without refreshing my memory, recall what the Secretary of State for Air said, but it is not in my power to give permission.
§ Mr. GranvilleIn order to clear up the question of which Minister is responsible, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.