§ 32. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many aeroplanes are stationed in Iraq; how many pilots and observers are stationed there; and how many aeroplanes are ready for immediate service for the defence of this country in case of war?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Mr. Leach)It is not considered to be in the public interest to give the information asked for in the first and third parts of the question. As regards pilots and observers, there are stationed in Iraq 296 officers of the General Duties Branch, all of whom are liable to fly, and 23 airmen pilots.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI do not want to impinge upon the public interest, but can the hon. Gentleman say 573 how many pilots there are available for immediate war service in this country? I want a, comparison between the defence arrangements hers and there.