HC Deb 24 January 1945 vol 407 cc797-8
19. Mr. Ivor Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Air what are the objects of the air crew refresher school at a place of which he has been informed.

Sir A. Sinclair

The purpose of the air crew refresher course is to assist in the elimination of tendencies likely to contribute to avoidable flying accidents. The course forms part of a general scheme of accident prevention.

Mr. Thomas

Is my right hon. Friend aware that very gallant officers sent on this course, under the plea of increasing their mental alertness, find that they are in the atmosphere of the "glass house," and that it is very much resented?

Sir A. Sinclair

I do not know what my hon. Friend means by being sent there "under a plea." This is a most valuable school. It is natural that some of even the most gallant officers have tendencies to slackness and to disobedience of orders at times. A course at this school has enabled many of those officers to take a grip of themselves and to render splendid service to the R.A.F. and to the country. It is a most valuable school and I ask my hon. Friend's support for it.