HC Deb 02 July 1947 vol 439 c1309
41. Mr. Ayles

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Manpower Economy Committee have reported on the utilisation of manpower and maintenance units; and whether they have investigated the situation at No. 4 M.U.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Under their terms of reference, the Manpower Economy Committee have been considering questions of a general nature; and not the use of manpower in any single unit of the R.A.F. For this purpose they are inspecting stations both at home and overseas, and they will no doubt consider whether they should visit No. 4 Maintenance Unit. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the information which he has given me about this unit; as a result, we are making special investigations, and I hope that substantial economies may be made.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

Would my right hon. Friend tell the House what instructions have been given to commanding officers to reduce personnel as far as possible ?

Mr. Noel-Baker

There are standing instructions on that; and not only so, but a special branch of the Ministry is constantly considering the matter.