§ 2. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Air what operational experience either the Duke of Hamilton or Lord Nigel Douglas Hamilton has gained to qualify them as group captains?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)The officers referred to are fully qualified by their Service experience for the rank which they now hold.
§ Mr. StokesArising from the hon. and gallant gentleman's Reply, which is completely unsatisfactory, is he aware that there is considerable uneasiness in the Royal Air Force at the appointment of officers who have not more operational experience to such positions, and will he bear that in mind in making future appointments?
§ Captain BalfourBoth these officers served in operational units for some years in peace-time. The Duke of Hamilton is holding an operational post now. I am not aware that there are any misgivings on the matter, and I think my right hon. Friend and his Service advisers are really the best judges of the suitability of officers for particular appointments.