42. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Prime Minister whether there are over 1,000 youths at the Royal Air Force school of technical training at Halton Camp East who are not now receiving any regular technical training or are employed on any Royal Air Force 558 work; and whether it would be in the interests of national economy, as well as in the interest of the youths themselves, if those who desired release and had civil employment waiting for them could be discharged herewith?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question which should in the ordinary course have been addressed to me. The total strength of boys at this camp is 2,610, of whom 2,148 are in the workshops; 244 are not receiving workshop training, but are, by their own choice, being given instruction in the duties of aircraft hands, whilst the balance of 218 are employed on duties outside workshops; are in hospital or in isolation; awaiting discharge on medical or compassionate grounds; or awaiting posting. All boys receive drill, disciplinary and educational instruction.
I am not prepared to accept the suggestion contained in the second part of the question. Discharge cannot be allowed, except on sufficient grounds, otherwise opportunity would be given for boys to obtain a good and expensive education provided by the Government without any return accruing to the State.