§ Commander Purseyasked the Secretary of State for Air why Royal Air Force married officers, stationed at Tengah, Singapore, are allowed to take their wives and families with them when sent to the hill station 300 miles away, whereas Royal Air Force married other ranks are not allowed to do so.
Mr. WardIt is up to the officer or airman to decide whether he takes his family with him when he attends a course at the Command General Service and Passive Defence Training School at Fraser's Hill, and to make private arrangements for their accommodation. I understand that they would normally stay at the nearby civil leave centre run by the Pahang Government. No Service permission is required.
§ Commander Purseyasked the Secretary of State for Air (1) why a Royal Air Force married other rank, stationed at Tengah, Singapore, was sent away from his family for the change of air at the end of his three years' tour of duty; and why, when he applied for leave with his family, he was refused and informed that the hill station duty was a holiday;
(2) what course was necessary for a Royal Air Force married other rank, stationed at Tengah, Singapore, to undergo at the hill station just prior to his return to England.
Mr. WardThe airman to whom I understand the hon. and gallant Member refers was sent on a 14-day General Service training course. As its name implies, the course is designed to improve an airman's general usefulness to the Service, as well as his usefulness in the Command. I am told that this man did very well. He could not be spared for leave immediately after the course.