§ 9. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for India whether it is intended to form an Indian Air Force on a military basis; whether an all-Indian force is contemplated; and what is to be its proposed strength?
§ Mr. BENNWhat is contemplated is the creation of an Indian Air Force as a new and separate service. It will be formed on a combatant basis under the command of the Air Officer Commanding in India, with the prospect that in due time it will share responsibility for the air defence of India with the Royal Air Force establishment in India. It will be manned exclusively by Indian officers and airmen, although provision will be made for the attachment of Royal Air Force officers and non-commissioner officers to supervise and assist in the development of the force in its early stages. It will consist of one flight, with a small headquarters' staff, in the first instance, with the prospect of expansion to a full squadron later.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI am much obliged. May I ask whether, in connection with this force, it is proposed to start a college in India for the training of these Indian air officers?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs my right hon. Friend aware that with the present rate of recruitment of Indian officers at Cranwell it will be a very long time before this corps can be efficiently manned?