HC Deb 20 July 1949 vol 467 cc1346-7
12. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the present strength of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; and how many recruits have joined both branches during 1949.

Mr. de Freitas

The strength of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force is 4,900 and that of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 6,600. Between 15th January and 30th June this year the numbers of recruits were 1,760 and 2,380 respectively.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Can the hon. Gentleman say what steps his Ministry is taking to attract additional recruits into this very important part of the Royal Air Force?

Mr. de Freitas

There has been and we are continuing a recruiting campaign throughout the country, in which we are receiving very valuable help from organisations such as the Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Associations of one of which the hon. and gallant Gentleman is a member. The present trend of recruiting is definitely up. The results while good, are not as good as we should like them to be, and we hope for improvement.