§ 2. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why coupons for purchase of civilian clothing are not issued to patients in R.A.F. hospitals undergoing longterm treatment.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. de Freitas)As stated by my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade on Monday, airmen who have one year or more to serve on 1st October, 1946, will receive an issue of 21 civilian clothing coupons. We also provide clothing for airmen who are patients in R.A.F. hospitals. This outfit includes pyjamas and dressing gown; a red tie, a white shirt and a blue coat and trousers.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterDoes the Under-Secretary of State appreciate the position of men in these hospitals who will be demobilised on discharge from the hospital and who are only offered uniform, plus a red tie, although they are never going to wear uniform again; and is any useful purpose served in pressing uniforms upon them when what they want is coupons to buy civilian clothes?
§ Mr. de FreitasI will look into these points. There is, of course, the big concession of 21 coupons for those men who have more than a year to serve.