§ 86. Wing-Commander Roland Robinsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many serving officers have made applications for permanent commissions in the R.A.F.; how many of such applications have been accepted; and what terms of employment are offered to those not yet accepted.
§ Mr. StracheyI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply of 24th October to the hon. and gallant Member for Macclesfield (Air-Commodore Harvey). Officers who are being considered for permanent commissions have the opportunity of prolonging their service on their exist 429 ing terms of employment or of being considered for extended service under a scheme, particulars of which I am sending to the hon. Member.
§ Wing-Commander RobinsonIs the Minister aware that many officers and men who otherwise would stay in the Forces are leaving on account of uncertainty about their future employment? Is it not about time that the Air Ministry made up its mind as to the future of the R.A.F., so that the men in it can know what lies before them?
§ Mr. StracheyMy Department is wellaware of that, but it depends upon the future of the three Services, and that is a question of considerable moment which cannot be settled in a minute.