Air Ministry (Hansard, 16 December 1942)

§ 17. Mr. Stokes
asked the Secretary of State for Air how many persons are employed in the Public Relations Department of his Ministry?

§ Captain Balfour
The headquarters staff of the Directorate of Public Relations numbers 196. In addition, 24 are employed in Royal Air Force Commands at home.

§ Mr. Stokes
Is that the total number employed in the two fields of the Public Relations Department?

§ Captain Balfour
Yes, Sir.

§ Mr. Shinwell
Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say what all these people do?

§ Captain Balfour
Yes, Sir. A considerable organisation is necessary for the control and organisation of all aspects of public relations affecting the Royal Air Force, including the preparation of operational communiqués and of meeting the public demand for news, photographs and films regarding Royal Air Force activities. It may interest the House to know that we have recently been reviewing the man-power of this directorate with a view to seeing whether any reduction can be made in the total number.