HC Deb 07 March 1939 vol 344 cc1908-9
44. Mr. Perkins

asked the Secretary of State for War what facilities, if any, are provided to enable serving Army officers to learn to fly; whether it is the policy of the Army Council that serving officers should become pilots; and whether he will approach the Civil Air Guard Commissioners with the object of allowing serving officers to join the Civil Air Guard?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Fifty-four officers are at the present moment seconded to the Royal Air Force for this purpose. These officers serve as pilots in Army co-operation squadrons. A number of Army officers also join civilian flying clubs, which receive subsidies from public funds. It is not in accordance with the Civil Air Guard scheme to enrol personnel who, in time of emergency, will be under a prior obligation to serve in the Naval, Military or Air Forces.

Mr. Perkins

Is it the wish of the right hon. Gentleman that the maximum number of serving officers should become pilots?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Yes, Sir. That is my decided wish.

Sir W. Lindsay Everard

Can my right hon. Friend say how many officers are being trained as observers?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I cannot say without notice.