HC Deb 30 June 1948 vol 452 cc2195-6
26. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many recruits were obtained for the Auxiliary Air Force as the result of the display addressed by Sir Hugh S. P. Walmsley, in Edinburgh, on 14th June; and what was the cost of this display.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

Fifty candidates for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force came forward on the afternoon of this display. The flying was part of normal training and involved no additional cost. The publicity was arranged by the local Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Association, and cost about £100.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that this appeal for recruits by this Air-Marshal was on the assumption that we were going to be at war with Soviet Russia? In view of the fact that last week it was stated that this was not the policy of His Majesty's Government, have steps been taken to tell this Air-Marshal not to make similar speeches in future?

Mr. Henderson

In reply to the second part of the supplementary question, there is another Question on the Order Paper which I will answer later on. As to the first part of the supplementary question, the policy of my Department to seek to recruit to the Reserve forces of the Air Force had been in operation long before this speech was made.

Major Tufton Beamish

Can the Minister say how many recruits have been obtained for the Royal Air Force as a result of speeches made by the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes)?

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider this result very satisfactory for the very small amount of money spent?

Mr. Henderson

Yes. Sir.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Does not the Minister agree that the actual response to the recruiting campaign was because the Air-Marshal spoke the truth?

30. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for Air what disciplinary action he has taken in the case of Air-Marshal Sir Hugh Walmsley for the speech he made on 12th June without the authority of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. A. Henderson

I have spoken to Air-Marshal Walmsley on this matter and I do not propose to take any further action.

Mr. Piratin

Is the Minister satisfied that he has carried out completely the terms laid down in paragraph 541A of King's Regulations in the same way as they would be carried out if it was not a senior officer of the Air Force who was involved?

Mr. Henderson

Yes, Sir. I have reminded the Air-Marshal of what should be said and what should not be said by a serving officer, and I am satisfied that he fully understands the position.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware of the simple elementary fact that in view of the condition in which this country is now, talk of war is talk of national suicide, and will he stop it?

Mr. Henderson

I have previously replied to a Question on this matter, and have indicated that the reference in the speech to Soviet Russia did not represent the policy of His Majesty's Government.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Was it not the Air-Marshal's speech which helped recruiting so much at that meeting?

Mr. Henderson

I must clear up that point. In fact, the recruits were not present when that speech was made.