Mr. A. DAVIESasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether uniforms supplied to messengers are a part of the emoluments of the men which is taken into consideration in the fixing of the messengers' wages; if so, why the Air Ministry are allowed to demand that uniforms must be returned to the Department when men are discharged; whether these used uniforms, which are returned, are afterwards supplied to newly-appointed messengers; and whether he will have the practice stopped?
Captain GUESTI have been asked to take this question. The answer to the first and second part of the hon. Gentleman's question is that, in fixing the messengers' emoluments, part of the value of the uniforms supplied has been taken into consideration. These uniforms are the property of the Government, and are due for return by messengers on leaving the service of the Air Ministry. Exceptions may, however, be made in certain circumstances, especially when a uniform is approaching the time for replacement. As regards the third part, generally speaking, as a concession, trousers have been allowed to be retained, but coats, waistcoats and overcoats have to be returned to store and reissued. It is not proposed to depart from this practice.