HC Deb 19 July 1950 vol 477 cc2234-5
4. Mr. Charles Ian Orr-Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will bring into full operational use further radar stations and give particular attention to those providing low coverage.

Mr. A. Henderson

The radar defences of the United Kingdom are being modernised and extended. Additional stations, including those designed for low cover are included in the programme.

Captain Duncan

In the event of hostilities breaking out, is the right hon. and learned Gentleman able to assure the House that fully trained radar personnel are available to man all the stations with up-to-date equipment?

Mr. Henderson

Yes, Sir, if we include those who have had war experience, but I could not say that we have got 100 per cent. in the fighter control units as the percentage at the moment is 25 per cent.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind the great importance of radar warning from the point of view of Civil Defence?

Mr. Henderson

Yes, Sir. I certainly will.

Captain Duncan

What steps are being taken to train the Reserve forces in up-to-date equipment?

Mr. Henderson

Those who are volunteer members of the fighter control units that are in existence throughout the country are already receiving the requisite training.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman take steps to check "Z" reserves so far as radar operators are concerned, to see whether we are in a position to man our air defences on a 24-hour basis at the shortest notice?

Mr. Henderson

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we have already done that. We are in a position today to call up all those who have had previous war experience in control and reporting units.

12. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are being taken to provide adequate training for ex-war-time experienced radar mechanics and operators.

Mr. A. Henderson

All necessary steps have been taken to provide such training if circumstances require. Training facilities are already available for exwar-time experienced radar mechanics and operators in the fighter control units and Radar Reporting Units of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and also in the R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve. I welcome this opportunity of emphasising again the urgent need in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force for men and women who had war experience in control and reporting units.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman say how much training is going on now?

Mr. Henderson

I cannot say, off-hand, the number of days on which these volunteers are required to attend, but I think it is 30 a year. I am advised that they are quite adequate to turn them into well-trained operators.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the war groups operating these stations numbered 17,000, and can he say what proportion of these have been written to? Will he check up on the register because I, for one, have not been written to, and, therefore, it is not right for him to say that all have been written to?

Mr. Henderson

I did not say they had been written to. I said we were in a position to call them up when circumstances required, and if the hon. Gentleman will make inquiries he will find that his name and address are in the appropriate place.

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