HC Deb 14 March 1951 vol 485 c1528
33. Mr. David Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Air what are the clothing allowances granted to Regular airmen and National Service airmen, respectively.

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

Regular airmen receive £5 12s. 0d. a year in areas where tropical kit is worn and £6 4s. 0d. in other areas; National Service airmen receive £2 9s. 0d. a year in all areas. A revision of these rates is now being considered for both Regulars and National Service men.

Mr. Renton

When the Minister is considering the revision of these rates will he do what he can to remove the discrepancy between men serving side by side in the same units?

Mr. Henderson

I could not give any such undertaking because the requirements of Regulars are quite different from those of National Service men. As the hon. Gentleman knows, National Service men serve two years and it is estimated that they do not require any replacement of their uniforms in two years. On the other hand, the Regulars have to replace their uniforms.