HC Deb 14 November 1956 vol 560 c930
13. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider the free issue of raincoats to all ranks of the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Birch

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 18th July.

Mr. Rankin

I hope that the Secretary of State has progressed since then. Does he regard it as just to compel young men into the Armed Forces and then to refuse them raincoats unless they pay £5 for them?

Mr. Birch

There is no question of compulsion about the purchasing of a raincoat. The men are issued with greatcoats and also with groundsheets, as has always been done. However, it was thought that they might like to have raincoats, but it is optional and they can buy them if they want. Most people have not bought them.