§ 52. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make a statement indicative of the present front-line strength of the Royal Air Force; and, in particular, whether the rate of delivery of light and heavy bombers, and their formation into units, is proceeding at a more rapid rate than heretofore?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadAs regards the first part of the question, there are at present 123 squadrons in the Metropolitan Air Force and 26 squadrons overseas, in addition to the equivalent of 20 squadrons in the Fleet Air Arm. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. SimmondsAre these 123 squadrons all at full strength, both as to pilots and machines?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead; No, they are not.