HC Deb 20 January 1942 vol 377 cc229-30W
Sir A. Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether all members of the Royal Observer Corps are now fully equipped?

Sir A. Sinclair

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) on 10th December last, the issue of new pattern uniforms of the battledress type to members of the Royal Observer Corps will begin about the end of February. With regard to protective clothing, members at posts are fully equipped except in one area where the personal issue of stormcoats and gum boots is not yet completed. There is, however, a sufficient supply in this area for use by members actually on duty.

Captain McEwen

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the number of members of the Royal Observer Corps up to the present who have sought deferment of call-up by applying for membership; and how many were refused?

Sir A. Sinclair

I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the category of part-time members of the Royal Observer Corps known as Bx members. These are unreserved men between the ages of 35 and 41 whose calling-up has been temporarily deferred. They number about 1,170. I cannot say how many applied to be placed in this catetory and were refused.