asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why there are three rates of payment for articles of uniform and equipment for precisely similar articles supplied to officers, noncommissioned officers and airmen from station stores; and what are the charges made for raincoats, uniform jacket and trousers and overalls, respectively.

There is no difference between the basic prices charged to officers, non-commissioned officers and airmen respectively for similar articles of uniform and equipment which they purchase through station stores, but officers serving in the United Kingdom are required to pay Purchase Tax in addition.The cost of a suit of Royal Air Force battledress is £4 3s. to an airman and £5 10s. 8d. to an officer. Neither raincoats nor overalls can be bought from station store.