HC Deb 02 June 1943 vol 390 c177
11. Major Nield

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will forthwith call for volunteers to form the Air forces, or part of them, necessary for the occupation or policing of such areas overseas as, may have to be occupied or policed after the war, in order to release Royal Air Force personnel who have served abroad either to home establishment or to civilian employment as soon as possible?

Captain Balfour

As the Secretary of State for War informed my hon. and gallant Friend yesterday, his suggestion has been carefully considered, but I am afraid there are great objections to adopting his suggestion now. It will no doubt be considered in the future in the light of our commitments the world over.

Major Nield

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that it would be the right thing to give some sort of public assurance to these men, who have been abroad so long, that they will be brought home as soon as possible after the war?

Captain Balfour

This question, upon which my hon. and gallant Friend has asked my opinion, is a very much wider subject. I am afraid I would not like to go further than I have done in my answer.