§ 50. Mr. SIMMONDSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the approximate time that would at present be 875 required to increase the strength of the Royal Air Force by 10 regular squadrons?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt is difficult to give any precise reply to my hon. Friend's question, as everything would depend upon the circumstances. An increase on the scale suggested could be completed in a period of about four years, since it would be necessary to provide additional aerodromes and buildings. The training of the requisite technical and other personnel would also take some time. In emergency, of course, as was done in the late War, the above period could be greatly curtailed.