HC Deb 30 July 1925 vol 187 cc614-5
40. Mr. PETO

also asked the Secretary of State for Air how many boys are under training at the technical school at Halton and the total personnel at the school?

Sir S. HOARE

The latest strength return for Halton shows 1,843 apprentices under training, and 429 Air Force officers and airmen and 88 civilians employed in the Boys' Sections, but, as explained in my reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Reading (Mr. H. Williams) on 25th February last, it is difficult to distinguish between the School staff proper and the personnel of the station as a whole, which includes other establishments than the school.

Mr. PETO

Although it may be impossible to distinguish between the personnel of the schools and the staffs proper, is it not a fair conclusion to draw, from the right hon. Gentleman's answer, that in the one case over two members, and in the other case one-half of one member, of the personnel, is required to teach one cadet or one boy?

Sir H. HOARE

I do not think that that would be a fair conclusion to draw from my answer. If I can give any further details to satisfy my hon. Friend on this point, I shall be very glad to do so.

Sir FREDRIC WISE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the cadets at Cranwell will be transferred to Halton?

Sir S. HOARE

I should require notice of that question.