§ 59. Brigadier Petoasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the terms of service for cadets joining the A.T.C.; and whether any distinctions gained during such service will count to their credit when subsequently called up for the Forces.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe Air Training Corps is a voluntary body. Its members, therefore, do not engage on terms of service like those which apply in the regular forces. Local units can, of course, get any advice and help they may require from the Regional Groups of the R.A.F. Reserve Command, which now administers the A.T.C. The hon. and gallant Member will recall the recent statement by my noble Friend the Lord Henderson that all Cadets in the A.T.C. who qualify for the Proficiency or Advanced Training Badges, and who are medically fit, will be guaranteed entry into the Royal Air Force. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a note on the other advantages they will derive in the R.A.F. from the distinctions which they earn as members of the A.T.C.
§ Brigadier PetoIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the recruitment for the A.T.C. is falling off, particularly in my constituency, and that I have a resolution passed by the local mayor and corporation in regard to this falling off in numbers? Will he ask the air officer in chief, who is responsible for training, to explain the precise terms of service and what results will be achieved by such service?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI hope my answer this afternoon and what I am sending to the hon. and gallant Member will serve that purpose. Certainly I will give instructions to the air officer responsible to go into this matter locally. I might add that in many places there are difficulties about the reconstitution of the A.T.C., and shortage of premises is one of the worst.