§ 11. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Defence if he is aware that his decision with regard to gratuities payable to those who leave the Regular Services as redundant and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force on disbandment, is being implemented in a most narrow and niggardly way, and that this is causing dissatisfaction to individuals and makes it difficult for hon. Members to respond to the appeals made by him to assist in recruitment of new forces; and if he will take steps to ensure a more liberal interpretation of his policy by all Departments.
§ Mr. SandysI think that it will be generally agreed that the compensation scheme is generous and is being administered in a generous spirit. If there are any cases where it is thought that the treatment has not been fair, I will certainly have them looked into.
§ Mr. BeswickWill the Minister look into details which I have sent to his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air concerning men who have left the Royal Air Force as redundant and who, because they have joined either B.E.A. or B.O.A.C., have been denied their gratuities on redundancy? Will he also look at those cases, of which I have sent details, of men who, having left the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, have been denied their bounty because they have shown exceptional keenness and joined another voluntary arm?
§ Mr. SandysI will most certainly look into those cases myself.