HC Deb 26 March 1952 vol 498 cc410-2
64. Mr. E. Fernyhough

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many Royal Air Force recruits were sent home from Cardington during the week ended 15th March because they refused to sign on for a longer period than three years.

Mr. Ward

Out of 803 candidates interviewed at Cardington during the week ended 15th March, 124 decided not to enlist on Regular engagements. The trades for which they were suitable, or which they wanted, were open only to men prepared to enlist for longer periods than three years.

Mr. Fernyhough

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, during the debate on the Air Estimates, he said there was no substance at all in the charge which I made? Will he now withdraw the accusation which he made against me and apologise for the language which he used?

Mr. Ward

Certainly not. I withdraw absolutely nothing.

Mr. Fernyhough

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we shall know, in future, how much importance to attach to any statement that he makes?

65. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many recruits called to Cardington during the week commencing 10th March were persuaded to increase their period of enlistment beyond the three years for which they originally signed.

Mr. Ward

Altogether, 120 candidates for the Royal Air Force called to Cardington during the week beginning 10th March decided to enlist for periods longer than the three years for which they had provisionally volunteered.

Mr. Fernyhough

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is grave disquiet in the country about the treatment which these boys receive when they go to Cardington? Is he aware that some hon. Members on his side of the House, as well as hon. Members on this side of the House, have received letters complaining about this treatment, and will he now agree to carry out the investigation which I asked him to carry out when I spoke during the Air Estimates debate?

Mr. Ward

When these boys leave Cardington, each one is issued with a pro forma asking for his suggestions or complaints, if any. They are perfectly at liberty to put down on the form any complaints they wish.

Mr. R. J. Taylor

Is the Minister aware that it is wasteful to take these lads to Cardington and then send them back home because they will not sign on for more than two years?

Mr. Ward

When they get to Carding-ton they have to do certain trade tests, and they cannot be accepted if they do not pass those tests.

Mr. Fernyhough

In view of the unsatisfactory reply and the attitude of the hon. Member—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. Speaker

Following a Ruling of my predecessor, I should remind the House that in giving notice to raise a matter on the Adjournment, the only proper formula is, "Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply."

Hon. Members

Withdraw.

Mr. Driberg

With great respect to you and your predecessors, Mr. Speaker, was not that Ruling in itself an innovation, since previously we were all allowed quite freely to introduce all sorts of pejorative matter into such intimations?

Mr. Speaker

I think that the Ruling was made because it was found that the introduction of what I called, the other day, objurgatory phrases led to a waste of time.