§ 21. Mr. DENMANasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air to what extent there has been a growth or a decline in the work and responsibilities of the Air Ministry since 1921; whether the headquarters staff of the Ministry has been increased or reduced since that date; and what changes there have been in that staff since the 1st January, 1932?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI apologise for a rather long answer. It is difficult to indicate in brief compass the immense growth there has been in the responsibilities of the Air Ministry since 1921. I will, however, cite four examples. Firstly, there are now 2½ times as many squadrons as then existed. Secondly, the Air Ministry had in 1921 no special responsibilities overseas, whereas it is now charged with the defence of areas whose combined extent exceeds that of Germany. Thirdly, in so far as concerns civil aviation, there were in 1921 only 160 civil pilots and 218 civil aircraft on the British register as compared with 3,093 pilots and 1,032 aircraft to-day. Fourthly, as indicating the effect of these and similar developments upon the work at headquarters, I may say that the volume of incoming correspondence is now 48 per cent. larger than in 1921, whilst the number of word-groups transmitted over the Air Ministry wireless telegraphy system in a typical 24 hours' period has risen from about 4,000 to 30,000. As regards the second part of the question, despite the foregoing and difficulties due to the dispersion of the Air Ministry among six different buildings, the number of the headquarters staff is to-day lower by 12 per cent. than it was in 1921. As regards the last part, a further reduction of 29 individuals has been effected since the let January, 1932.
§ Rear-Admiral SUETERCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he is going to place the whole of the Air Ministry staff in one building to get greater efficiency?
§ Sir P. SASSOONI think that would result in a reduction of about 27 officials.
Rear-Admiral SU ETERI beg the right hon. Gentleman's pardon. My question was as to whether anything was being done to place the staff of the Air Ministry in one separate establishment.
§ Sir P. SASSOONThat does not rest with the Air Ministry.