HC Deb 11 June 1941 vol 372 cc167-8
5. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many group captains in charge of fighter command or bomber command stations have not had practical operational experience prior to the out break of war, and since the outbreak of war, respectively?

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)

I regret that it would not be in the public interest to give the information asked for. In selecting officers for these appointments full account is taken of experience during service careers.

Mr. Stokes

Will the Secretary of State bear in mind that there is considerable uneasiness among serving officers at some of the recent appointments, because it is said that some of the officers appointed have not had operational experience?

Sir A. Sinclair

I can assure my hon. Friend that he is mistaken in thinking there is any widespread uneasiness. Recent operational experience, and especially operational experience in this war, is certainly an important factor in considering officers for these appointments.

Mr. Stokes

But is it a condition of appointments that they should have had operational experience?

Sir A. Sinclair

I cannot add to what I have said, but it is an important factor to be taken into account.