§ 16. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for Air how many men have had their release from the Royal Air Force delayed beyond the date on which it would otherwise have taken place by reason solely of lack by the unit concerned of the necessary documents; what is the average length of time in these cases; and what action he is taking to prevent its recurrence.
§ Mr. CrawleyFour hundred and twenty-eight airmen out of 70,000 National Service men who passed through the Personnel Dispersal Centre during the last 12 months have been delayed because of incomplete documentation. The delay in most cases was from one to three days. From 1st July, 1950, National Service men leaving the Force will be those who have completed the standard 18 months' service under the National Service Acts of 1948, and the procedure for their discharge will be simpler. Units are being reminded that men must not be held back beyond the due date.