§ Mr. PETHERICKasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why the pattern for the mess dress and mess undress for officers of the Royal Air Force was changed; what the average cost to each officer is estimated to be; and whether in future His Majesty's Govern- 1851W ment will consider giving grants to officers to defray the cost of new uniforms consequent on such changes?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe changes, which were made in 1934, arose from a general desire within the Royal Air Force itself. They were designed to improve the appearance of the mess dress and to make it more distinctive. The cost of the change varied from £2 to £12 according to rank, in the case of officers then serving. No additional expense falls upon junior officers commissioned since the change was made. As regards the last part of the question, I do not think there are sufficient grounds for departing from customary practice.