§ 12. Major Asterley Jonesasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the number of R.A.F. personnel at present stationed in Iceland; for what purpose they are there; and for how much longer he expects that it will be necessary to keep them there.
§ Mr. StracheyThere are 2,050 members of the R.A.F. in Iceland. They carry out meteorological and air-sea rescue flights and other duties connected with the trans-Atlantic air route. A substantial reduction in their numbers is now in progress and it is hoped that withdrawal of the whole contingent will be completed in about six months, as and when peacetime arrangements for the work can be introduced.