110. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Defence what improved arrangements are being made at Gatwick Airport for the repatriation of service families from Aden, so as to give them time for refreshments on arrival, adequate transport to take families and their luggage on together and assistance at London termini to enable families to continue their journey.
§ Mr. ReynoldsSpecial arrangements made for the repatriation of Service families from Aden included a main meal served on the aircraft during the last leg of its flight; Service personnel to assist with baggage at Gatwick, members of voluntary welfare organisations to assist with babies and young children at Gatwick; Service staffs to deal with pay, welfare and travel problems and help with baggage; and coaches with escorts to take families to the main London rail terminus of their choice. These arrangements worked very well, and we owe a particular debt of gratitude to the members of voluntary organisations who did so much to help.