HC Deb 28 January 1959 vol 598 c1049
19. Mr. Mellish

asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress is being made with the plan to issue raincoats to air men.

Mr. Ward

We hope to begin issuing raincoats to Regular airmen towards the end of March.

Mr. Mellish

Is not this symptomatic of the way in which the present Government do all these things? May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the airmen are to have these raincoats after the winter is over—or is supposed to be over? May we have an assurance that some, at any rate, will be issued before March?

Mr. Ward

We have had to place an order for about 100,000 raincoats, and 100,000 take quite a lot of making. We are hoping to get delivery of the first 20,000 at the end of March. I am sorry that it has worked out at the wrong end of the winter.