HC Deb 07 November 1945 vol 415 cc1252-3
3. Mr. Stokes

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many W.R.N.S. are now stationed at St. Merryn aerodrome, Cornwall; and when this number will be reduced.

Mr. Alexander

Twenty-six W.R.N.S. officers and 643 ratings are now employed at the R.N. Air Station, St. Merryn. The end of the war has brought no change in the function of this particular air station and no reduction of the numbers employed is at present envisaged.

Mr. Stokes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, whatever his reports may be, the fact is that there is a very great change in the activities, and that the general complaint of people all round is that there are a large number of girls doing absolutely nothing and wasting their time?

Mr. Alexander

I have often had reports of that kind before, but when I investigated them I found that there was no foundation of fact in them. This is one of the largest Royal Naval air stations in existence and it has a permanent peace rôle of important training. If I took the W.R.N.S. away, I would have to replace them with men.

Mr. Stokes

If I submit a report to my right hon. Friend, will he have it properly examined, unlike some other Ministers?

Mr. Alexander

The Royal Navy is always efficient.