§ 47. Mr. LEWISasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many men during each of the past two years have been discharged from the Royal Air Force before their period of service was long enough to entitle them to a pension; and how many new recruits have been taken on during the same periods?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe number of airmen discharged or transferred to the reserve on the completion of their engagements, and not eligible for pension, was 1,823 during the financial year 1931, and 1,789 during 1932. The numbers recruited during the same years, including boys entered for apprenticeship training, were 2,251 and 1,069 respectively.
§ Mr. LEWISDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate how undesirable it is that in so many cases employment in the Royal Air Force should turn out to be a blind-alley occupation?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt is obviously essential that there should be a proper flow of recruits coming into the Air Force, and that those who do come in should stay in for the period for which they have engaged.