HC Deb 20 January 1943 vol 386 cc209-10
46. Captain C. S. Taylor

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider appointing a Royal Air Force officer as Air Marshal-in-Chief, Home Forces, to act in a similar capacity as far as the Royal Air Force is concerned as the Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces for the Army, so that one man shall be responsible for the operational control and co-ordination of the various Royal Air Force commands operating in this theatre of the war?

Mr. Attlee

The present organisation of the Metropolitan Air Force has stood the test of over three years of war, and in the present circumstances I think it would be unwise to alter it.

Captain Taylor

Would it not be much better if the Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces, had only one R.A.F. officer to deal with, instead of having to communicate with several R.A.F. commanders?

Mr. Attlee

I said the present arrangements have stood a pretty severe test. The commanders of the various R.A.F. commands are co-ordinated by the Chief of the Air Staff.

Captain Taylor

Is not every arrangement capable of improvement?

47. Captain Taylor

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now appoint a Commander-in-Chief having operational control of all fighting services in each theatre of the war in which British Forces are engaged?

Mr. Attlee

I have nothing to add to previous replies on this subject.

Captain Taylor

As this matter is one of serious concern, can I have an answer if I put a Question down again at an early date?

Mr. Attlee

It depends on the Question.

Captain Taylor

The same Question.