HC Deb 28 October 1970 vol 805 cc219-20
36. Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will state the number of men in the Royal Air Force of the rank of senior aircraftman and below and the number of officers of the rank of wing commander and above.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Antony Lambton)

On 1st September, 1970, 35,827 men held the rank of Senior Aircraftman or below, and 2,446 the rank of Wing Commander or above.

Mr. Hardy

Would the Minister not agree that there appears to be an imbalance in the numbers of Chiefs and Indians in the Service? Would he not revise the organisation in the Service to effect a reduction in public expenditure?

Mr. Lambton

The proportion of officers is entirely determined by the jobs that have to be done.