§ 61. Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONasked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to statements in the Press that there are 200 squadron leaders in the Royal Air Force for 31½ squadrons; and will he state on what duties other than leading squadrons these officers are employed?
Captain GUESTThe actual number of squadron leaders on the general list of the Air Force is 200. The title of squadron leader is a rank in the Air Force equivalent to that of lieutenant commander in the Navy and major in the Army, and the duties of officers of this rank are not confined to commanding service squadrons. They are also employed in posts in connection with training, research, technical and staff duties, where officers of at least equivalent rank and experience would be similarly employed in other Services. My hon. and gallant Friend is doubtless aware that, in addition to the service squadrons, the Air Force has large flying and mechanical training schools, repair shops, supply depots and experimental establishments, which require their quota of officers of the rank in question.