HC Deb 18 June 1941 vol 372 cc623-4
13. Mr. Wilfrid Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Air what opportunities are open to technicians overseas to offer their services in the repair and maintenance establishments to the Royal Air Force in a civilian capacity.

Sir A. Sinclair

Skilled men overseas whose services are available, who possess the requisite qualifications and are otherwise suitable, are free to enlist in the technical branches of the fighting Services; but, in order to afford a wider opportunity for skilled technicians overseas to respond to the appeal which was broadcast last night by my noble Friend the Minister of State, His Majesty's Government have decided to establish a Civilian Technical Corps in which will be enrolled men who volunteer to come to this country for service in the repair and maintenance establishments of the Navy, Army and Air Force in a non-combatant capacity. The corps is being established by the Defence (Civilian Technical Corps) Regulations, made under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Acts, 1939–40.