§ 17. Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Under-Secretary 1199 of State for Air whether mechanics in the Royal Air Force will be given opportunities to learn to fly?
§ Sir P. SASSOONOpportunities such as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests are already given in suitable cases, and this on a very considerable scale. In the result about one-sixth of the pilots now on the active list are airmen, most of whom entered the service as aircraft apprentices for training at fitters, etc., Such entrants have, in addition, the opportunity to be chosen for flying duties in commissioned rank.
§ Commander LOCKER-LAMPSONIs it not true that with an Air Force of 30,000 there are only 3,000 who have learnt to fly?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThat was not the question. There are 20 per cent. of airmen in the force who have had flying experience.
§ Mr. SIMMONDSMay I ask whether it is the policy of the Air Ministry to increase this proportion of one-sixth?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt may be.