HC Deb 23 June 1942 vol 380 cc1835-6W
Major Conant

asked the Secretary of State for Air what instructions have been issued regarding the billeting of Royal Air Force personnel upon the civil population?

Sir A. Sinclair

The instructions issued provide for selection of billets for R.A.F. personnel by the police in consultation with the local authorities so that billeting is carried out fairly and with proper regard to the convenience of the civilian population. In the particular case of which my hon. and gallant Friend has informed me, the normal procedure was not followed owing to the short notice at which a unit was moved and to a misunderstanding about the numbers of personnel involved. For these reasons, co-operation with the civil authorities was difficult but with their assistance matters are being put right. I greatly regret any inconvenience caused to householders in the exceptional circumstances.