HC Deb 06 December 1944 vol 406 cc523-4
38. Mr. Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the present strength of the A.T.C.; and what decline has occurred in the last 12 months.

Sir A. Sinclair

The strength of the A.T.C. on 31st October, 1943, was approximately 167,000 and on 31st October last 135,000.

Mr. Lindsay

In view of this decline, would my right hon. Friend make representations to the Ministry of Education to see that these boys get some alternative technical training? It is a great pity to see this disintegration of a great youth organisation.

Sir A. Sinclair

It is very far from being disintegration. It is impossible to maintain the Air Training Corps at the old figure which was required for an expanding Royal Air Force. However, in spite of the recent disappointment of candidates who cannot get into the Service of their choice, there is a very healthy flow of recruits into the corps amounting, in the last quarter, to some 12,000 boys.

Mr. Loftus

Will my right hon. Friend see that these young cadets have a chance of joining the Fleet Air Arm if they cannot get into the Royal Air Force?

Sir A. Sinclair

It is much more than that. They have an absolute right to ask for the Fleet Air Arm, and always have had. It is just as much their right to go into the Fleet Air Arm, and they are just as much encouraged to go into the Fleet Air Arm, as into the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Loftus

Arising out of that reply, is my right hon. Friend aware that they have not the right, because, on the very day they get dismissed from the A.T.C., they get a calling-up notice for the Army?

Sir A. Sinclair

I beg the hon. Member's pardon, I misunderstood his supplementary question. That introduces another question, namely, that of the relative requirements of the three Services, and that is not under my sole control. People must go where they are required in the present grim phase of the war.

Captain Longhurst

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that there are two choices now with regard to the A.T.C.: either to give the best of the recruits, at least, a chance of being accepted for the Royal Air Force, or to take a deep breath and thank the A.T.C. and stand it down like the Home Guard? Above all he ought not to let it rot, which is what it is doing now.

Sir A. Sinclair

No, Sir, it is not rotting. As I pointed out to the House, there is a splendid flow of recruits into the A.T.C.——