HC Deb 03 December 1947 vol 445 c365
24. Mr. Crawley

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to make changes in the role of any of the Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons.

Mr. de Freitas

Yes, Sir. The four bomber squadrons are to be converted to fighters. All 20 Auxiliary Air Force squadrons will now form part of the air defences of this country.

Mr. Crawley

Is the Minister aware that this is a return to the traditional role of the Auxiliary Air Force—the role which they fulfilled at the beginning of the war—and will he give wide publicity to the matter with a view to encouraging recruitment?

Mr. de Freitas

I hope it will receive publicity.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the hon. Gentleman try to make the facilities more attractive, in which case he will get more recruits?

Mr. de Freitas

Yes, Sir.