HC Deb 25 February 1948 vol 447 cc1919-20
1. Mr. Manningham-Buller

asked the Secretary of State for Air why woollen underclothing is not issued to R.A.F. recruits in winter time.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

Woollen pants are issued to R.A.F. recruits if they prefer them to cotton, but only cotton vests are issued because experience has shown that there is little demand for woollen.

Mr. Manningham-Buller

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that I have here a letter from the Under-Secretary of State for Air, stating that the normal issue to recruits is two cotton vests? Is he also aware that a constituent of mine, who was called up and issued with two cotton vests, promptly caught pneumonia, and that woollen underclothing is issued in the Army?

Mr. Henderson

I am aware that it is issued in the Army, and I should have no objection to it being issued to members of the Air Force if they desired to have them. But in fairness to my Department I should say that on the last occasion on which it was suggested that airmen should have woollen vests, in 1940—those serving in the North of England and in Scotland were given the option—the majority chose cotton.

Mr. Manningham-Buller

Is woollen underclothing available for issue, because I understand that at the aerodrome I have in mind it was not?

Mr. Henderson

No, Sir, the rule at the moment is that woollen underclothing can only be issued on the authority of the medical officer.

Brigadier Head

Could not the right hon. and learned Gentleman compromise between cotton and wool, and provide Aertex underclothing?