§ 24. Sir Wavell Wakefieldasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if representatives of the A.T.C will take part in the Victory March in London, in view of the announcement that every branch of the R.A.F. will be represented in the R.A.F. marching column.
Mr. Ivor ThomasNo, Sir. Space at the Victoria Memorial has, however, been reserved for representatives of the cadet organisations, including the A.T.C.
§ Sir W. WakefieldIs the Parliamentry Secretary aware that this will cause great disappointment in view of the work done by the cadets such as servicing machines and so forth at aerodromes during the war?
Mr. ThomasThis has been done mainly in the interest of the A.T.C. themselves. The parade will be very fatiguing for cadets of that age, and they have been given a very prominent place on the route.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these cadets did a job during the war which airmen did, and are quite capable of taking part in the parade on the same basis?
Mr. ThomasWhatever views may be held about it, the step has been taken in consideration of the interests of the air cadets themselves
§ Sir W. WakefieldWas there not a promise that every branch of the Royal Air Force would take part in this march and why not the cadets, for they are part of the Royal Air Force?
Mr. ThomasIf the hon. Gentleman presses me on that point I must tell him that legally the A.T.C. are not part of the Royal Air Force.
§ Sir W. WakefieldI will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.