HC Deb 08 November 1950 vol 480 c927
32. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many recruits have joined the Royal Air Force since the increase in the rates of pay; and how these figures compare with a similar period last year.

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

Eight thousand, two hundred and seventy men and women enlisted in the R.A.F. in September and October this year compared with 2,664 in those months last year. These figures do not include those Regulars already in the Service who have extended their current engagements or re-engaged.

Air Commodore Harvey

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman say how many National Service men have extended their engagements?

Mr. Henderson

A very great proportion of the figures which I have given the hon. and gallant Gentleman apply to National Service men who have taken regular engagements on call-up. In addition, about 1,000 have extended their service from National Service to regular engagements.