§ Mr. Garry Allighanasked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that Dennis Lamert arrived from India at Liverpool, on 13th February, and was demobilised from rot P.D.C. at Warton, Lancashire, on 16th February; that, although the date was in the depth of the winter weather, he had to surrender, his greatcoat and was not provided with a civilian greatcoat because there were none available; that, on arrival home in Gravesend, he found R.A.F. greatcoats offered for sale in a civilian shop at £1 5s. each; and whether he will explain this.
§ Mr. de FreitasAirmen who are released are normally given a lined raincoat, not a greatcoat, and I have confirmed that Mr. Lamert received one. During a temporary shortage of raincoats, civilian overcoats were issued but no more are being produced and an airman can only have one if his size is still available. Provided he is fitted with a raincoat an airman must surrender his service greatcoat, which is normally returned to stock. Only greatcoats that are beyond repair are disposed of outside the R.A.F.