HC Deb 13 June 1945 vol 411 c1635
26. Lieut.-Commander Bell

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give an assurance that the rate of release of temporary members of the R.A.F. will not be allowed to fall substantially behind the rate of release in the other Services.

Mr. Hogg

As stated in the White Paper on Re-allocation of Manpower, release will necessarily proceed at different rates in the three Services owing to military considerations. It is impossible at this stage to estimate the extent of the variations between the three Services but every effort will be made, consistent with operational requirements, to keep them to a minimum.

Lieut.-Commander Bell

Am I to understand from the reply, that the main factor in the speed of these releases is not transport facilities, as we were recently informed?

Mr. Hogg

I think that the main obstacle to these releases is the existence of the Japanese war.

Mr. Bowles

Will men in the R.A.F. who were voluntarily seconded from the R.A.F. to Ministry of Aircraft Production factories, have whatever time they spent in the factories taken into account in their release group?

Mr. Hogg

The hon. Gentleman should refer to the Debate in the House on 18th April, when the matter was fully discussed.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

When will the public know the rate at which these men are to come out, for all they and the R.A.F. know at the moment is that the rate of flow will be much slower than for the Army?

Mr. Hogg

The hon. Member may have seen in the newspapers two or three days ago the absolute maximum which it was possible to state at the moment.

Mr. Bowles

What was disclosed in the Debate of 18th April in answer to my Question?