§ 43. Mr. Beswickasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that the central band of the R.A.F. is not up to establishment; and what steps are being taken to encourage recruitment.
§ Mr. StracheyThe present recruiting campaign is intended to attract volunteers for the Royal Air Force Central Band as well as for the many other trades in which we are short of men.
§ Mr. BeswickIs it not a fact that the band depends for its volunteers upon musicians from other Services, and that the regulation which says that no service in another branch of more than four years shall count towards a pension if they transfer to the Royal Air Force, is having a deterrent effect upon volunteers?
§ Mr. StracheyI will consider that.