§ Sir C. Rawsonasked the Secretary of State for Air why the Government authorities are charging Messrs. C. G. Southcott, Limited, Purchase Tax at the rate of 16⅔ per cent. for clothing and 33⅓, per cent. for caps; whether he is aware that the cadets receive a grant of 3s. 6d. per head per cadet per annum, out of which they must produce uniforms, socks, shoes, shirts, caps and overcoats; and, inasmuch as some of these cadet corps are training recruits for the Royal Air Force, in respect of which the Government does not pay a penny, will he look into the matter in order that this injustice can be remedied?
Captain BalfourThe annual capitation grant of 3s. 6d. per cadet is not made specifically for the purchase of uniform but represents a general contribution made in aid of the Air Defence Cadet Corps. The supply of uniforms for Air Cadets is arranged by the Air League of the British Empire, and I am advised that the charge in respect of Purchase Tax by the contractor referred to is proper for the articles concerned. The question whether the Corps can be given increased assistance in connection with proposals to make further use of its resources in the preliminary training of R.A.F. recruits is at present under consideration.