§ 10. Lieut.-Colonel H. M. Hydeasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when, approximately, 150 Royal Air Force cadets who flew to Canada for training on 19th August, 1951, can expect to receive their heavy luggage containing their winter clothing, of which they are now greatly in need.
§ Mr. BirchSeventy-seven, Royal Air Force officers flew to Canada in August, 1951, to undergo flying training and each officer took 66 lb. of luggage with him.
Additional heavy luggage for 37 of these officers was subsequently received at Cranwell, and on 2nd October this was all loaded on board s.s. "Empress of Scotland," which arrived at Quebec on 16th October.
It was learned early this month that the baggage had not reached the officers. Urgent inquiries are being made in Canada, and I will write to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as these have been completed.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HydeIs my hon. Friend aware that these officers have been put to considerable inconvenience, not to say expense, as a result of their winter clothing not reaching them, and can he in future see that incidents of this kind do not occur?
§ Mr. BirchI am very much obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend for drawing my attention to this case. Clearly the arrangements have not been right or suitable, and I am going into the matter myself. I hope to make it right.