§ 54. Mr. Donnerasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air, whether he will explain the policy whereby Army officers are given command of squadrons although there are competent Royal Air Force officers to fill these posts; and whether it is proposed to promote such officers to higher rank?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)The policy of appointing certain Army officers to command squadrons is the natural advancement of the training already given to these officers as pilots and flight commanders. This training is designed to secure the greatest measure of co-operation between ground and air forces. The question of promotion to the rank of wing commander will be given consideration when it arises, but this will not be for some years.