§ Mr. Edward Evansasked the Secretary of State for Air why about 700 airmen and Women's Royal Air Force personnel were deprived of weekend passes at Leconfield Air Station, Yorkshire, on 5th February, 1949.
§ Mr. A. HendersonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 9th February to the hon. Member for King's164W Norton (Mr. Blackburn). The incident which led to the withdrawal of weekend pass privileges at this particular station was not an isolated one, and in the interests of discipline it could not be allowed to pass unnoticed. While, in general, the collective withdrawal of privileges is to be deprecated the decision as to what disciplinary action is appropriate in any particular circumstances must rest with the individual Commanding Officer. I wish to make it clear that I have every confidence in the commanding officer concerned, who has a fine record in the Service both in peace and in war..