HC Deb 20 May 1942 vol 380 cc206-7
3. Mr. Ammon

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether there is an officers cadet training unit for flying personnel as distinct from non-commissioned officers?

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)

No, Sir.

Mr. Ammon

That does not conform with the right hon. Gentleman's former statement that these people had a different training.

Sir A. Sinclair

What former statement?

Mr. Ammon

The right hon. Gentleman's reply to me, that commissioned and non-commissioned officers had entirely different training.

Sir A. Sinclair

I cannot recall the context of the statement. They have a different experience at subsequent stages in the Royal Air Force, certainly.

Mr. Ammon

Then there is no actual difference in the training of non-commissioned and commissioned officers as regards flying?

Sir A. Sinclair

There are many courses which officers attend and many which non-commissioned officers attend. It depends on the stage of the training.

Mr. Ammon

I mean prior to that—as cadets.

Sir A. Sinclair

Certainly, everyone goes through the same course of flying training.