HC Deb 13 January 1977 vol 923 cc561-2W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will give, for the longest and most convenient stated period of time, the number of occasions when a specially chartered RAF plane has been sent to return to home a disabled ex-Service man who was taken seriously ill whilst on holiday, the ranks of such persons and the costs involved; and what principle is involved in such persons being able to claim such transport arrangements.

Mr. Wellbeloved

There have been no such cases during the past three years. Persons who are not normally entitled to travel in RAF aircraft, including ex- Service men, may be provided with passages exceptionally if it is medically essential for them to be moved and there is no other means of transport. Five such passages have been granted in the past three years. Payment is required by the patients or by a responsible sponsor who is prepared to meet the costs involved.