HC Deb 08 July 1942 vol 381 cc747-8
6. Mr. Lawson

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of staff in the Air Ministry whose salary is £500 a year and upwards; and whether he can give the respective numbers engaged at such salaries in July, 1941, and July, 1942?

Sir A. Sinclair

Of the headquarters staff of the Air Ministry, 771 civilians and 437 R.A.F. and W.A.A.F. officers received salaries of £500 a year and upwards on 1st July, 1941. Comparable figures on 1st July, 1942, were 939 and 703 respectively.

7. Mr. Lawson

asked the Secretary of State for Air the numbers employed in the Air Ministry in July, 1941, and July, 1942, respectively?

Sir A. Sinclair

The headquarters staff of the Air Ministry on 1st July, 1941, was 12,291, and on 1st July, 1942, approximately 14,500.

Major Lyons

Does this exclude the personnel, both civilian and Service, who have been lent by the headquarters of the Royal Air Force to the Ministry of Aircraft Production?

Sir A. Sinclair

It is not for me to deal with the Ministry of Aircraft Production; I am dealing only with my own Ministry, and I have given the figures of the staff at the Air Ministry.

Major Lyons

Yes, but I am asking whether this includes the personnel belonging to the right hon. Gentleman's own Department who have been temporarily lent to the Ministry of Aircraft Production?

Sir A. Sinclair

If they have been lent to the Ministry of Aircraft Production they belong to that Ministry. These figures deal only with the Air Ministry.

Mr. Lawson

As this Question deals only with headquarters staff, is my right hon. Friend keeping an eye on this matter, and is he quite sure that this growth is absolutely necessary?

Sir A. Sinclair

Absolutely sure. Of course, it would be improper for me to quote numbers with regard to the expansion of the Air Force, but I think my hon. Friend must know that they are out of all proportion to the increase in numbers of staff.

Mr. Lawson

While I appreciate how the Air Force has developed and the necessity for growth of staff, I was asking about the growth of headquarters staff. Does it not show a rather large increase?

Sir A. Sinclair

No, Sir, not if my hon. Friend knows how big the growth of the Air Force as a whole has been.