§ 47. Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the public announcement that Prince Alexander Obolensky has been granted a commission in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve indicates that British-born subjects whose fathers are not British are no longer barred from entering the Royal Air Force as cadets?
§ The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Kingsley Wood)There is no intention of modifying the present regulations under which the parents of candidates for commissions in the Royal Air Force, its reserves and auxiliaries must be British subjects. Under those regulations it is, however, open to the Secretary of State to authorise departure from this rule in suitable cases, and such authority was given in the case referred to.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. Lambert WardDoes not the fact that this gentleman has played rugby football for England indicate that he is tolerably well qualified to have a commission in the Royal Air Force?
§ Mr. David GrenfellCan the Minister say how many Russians it is proposed to enrol in the Air Force?
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonWill the right hon. Gentleman see that equal consideration is given to other applicants who may not bear distinguished titles?
§ Sir K. WoodI will give careful consideration to any case that comes before me, but I ought to say that, in this case, the individual referred to was already a member of an air squadron and his name was put forward by his commanding officer.