12. Mr. Teelinǵasked the Secretary of State for Air why six members of the R.A.F. have been left in Trinidad when all others have been repatriated; why no arrangements were made for their feeding and welfare; whether he is aware that for six weeks they had to live on the charity of one officer and their own savings; and what steps he is taking to remedy their present isolated condition.
§ Mr. de FreitasA number of airmen have been retained in Trinidad for essential meteorological work until civilians have been trained to take their place. We expect that all of them will have been brought home by the end of this year. I have called for a thorough investigation into the other points raised by the hon. Member, and will write to him as soon as it is completed.
Mr. TeelinǵDoes not the hon. Gentleman feel, in view of the fact that many more questions like this are coming in now, that it is possible that the welfare officers and adjutants on the stations are not, at group and command level, being encouraged to send in complaints if there are any; and will he make quite sure, in view of the end of demobilisation, that more will be done to ensure that these people do not feel that they are being forgotten?
§ Mr. de FreitasOn the facts stated in the Question, there does seem to have been a bad failure in administration, but I have not yet completed my investigation into the matter.
§ Captain MarsdenSurely, in a case like this, the Governor or the Commander-in-Chief of the island should take a hand? Could not the hon. Gentleman make some inquiries about that?
§ Mr. de FreitasYes, certainly. Arrangements were made for his Colonial 1364 Secretary to deal with the pay of these airmen. I have called for a full investigation.