HC Deb 07 March 1951 vol 485 cc425-6
34. Mr. Donner

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the squadrons of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force are still on a one flight basis.

Mr. Crawley

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Donner

In that case, how does the Under-Secretary justify the assertion of his right hon. and learned Friend on 7th February, when he said: It is not the case that the Auxiliary Air Force squadrons are at half strength."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 7th February, 1951; Vol. 483, c. 1715.]

Mr. Crawley

The Royal Auxiliary squadrons, in pre-war days, had one training flight and one operational flight, and that is what they have now. This question was fully discussed in debate yesterday.

Surgeon Lieut. Commander Bennett

Might it not be more straightforward if these units were now renamed "flights" instead of "squadrons"?