§ 73. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the methods now being adopted by France for the creation of a reserve of officers for her air force; whether anything of a similar nature is being carried out in this country; and what is our total number of reserve officers in this arm of defence?
The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Captain Guest)I am aware of the general organisation of the Air Service in France, but the methods adopted there are not altogether applicable to a country which depends on voluntary enlistment and not on conscription. I am glad to say that the scheme of organisation of our Air Force Reserve is complete, and the Regulations will be promulgated shortly. A commencement of the manning of it will be made this year with the short service officers who will be passing to the reserve on the completion of their period on the active list. I am not in a position as yet to give the numbers asked for.