HC Deb 03 February 1943 vol 386 cc874-5
19. Captain C. S. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether there is an operational training centre for Royal Air Force pilots in the Middle East?

Sir A. Sinclair

Yes, Sir. Facilities for the operational training of Royal Air Force pilots have been provided in the Middle East Command.

Captain Taylor

At what date was this operational training centre established?

Sir A. Sinclair

It has been established for some time, but I cannot give the date without notice.

Captain Taylor

Is it not the case that a number of pilots are brought back from the Middle East for this training, and is not that a waste of shipping?

Sir A. Sinclair

The shipping difficulty is very much in our minds.