HC Deb 23 October 1946 vol 427 cc1647-8
28. Mr. Spence

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many civilians are employed at Fleet Air Arm stations in this country; and what is the nature of their employment.

Mr. W. Edwards

The number of civilians employed at Naval Air Establishments in the United Kingdom is approximately 6,000. They are employed on a variety of duties, such as clerks, cleaners, storekeepers, mess servants, motor transport drivers, and many others which do not require a fully trained naval rating.

Mr. Spence

Is there any reason why these duties should not be carried out by Service personnel, and might it not be more economical for them to be carried out in this way?

Mr. Edwards

So far as transport drivers are concerned, it would be very costly for the Navy to have all its motor transport driving carried out by trained personnel. With regard to the many other duties, there are occasions when we may be able to use naval ratings but because of the demobilisation programme it is very difficult always to find them.