§ Mr. G. Brownasked the Secretary of State for Air if he will make a statement about the progress made in improving station administration as a result of the Benson experiment.
Mr. WardThe general aim of the Benson experiment was to raise morale by simplifying and liberalising administration wherever possible without undermining discipline or efficiency. As a result of the experiment, a number of improvements in station administration have been introduced.
The number of parades has been greatly reduced. Regular morning station parades have been abolished, and colours are now hoisted by sections in rotation. Central pay parades have for the most part been replaced by an arrangement under which airmen are paid in their sections. Clothing parades have been almost eliminated; airmen can normally obtain clothing from stores.
137WSimpler procedures have been introduced for airmen arriving or leaving the station on posting. In most Commands it has proved possible to relieve airmen of the formality of booking in and out. Apart from trainees, airmen over 18 who are allowed to live out no longer need to have a special pass. Simplified arrangements have also been made for airmen reporting sick.
When small parties of airmen travel on duty, subsistence allowances may now be issued instead of haversack rations. Drafting during weekends is avoided as far as possible. Airmen may now wear plain clothes in dining-halls if they are off-duty. Much of the webbing equipment formerly issued to airmen has been withdrawn. Except for recruits and boys, the marking of personal kit is now optional. Families' officers are now appointed at stations where there are married quarters or hirings and help airmen and their wives with the various problems arising from Service life.