HC Deb 03 February 1954 vol 523 cc332-3
4. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Under secretary of State for Air how many National Service men have completed their two years' service since 1st January, 1949.

Mr. Ward

Since 1st January, 1949, about 120,000 airmen have completed National Service and passed to the Reserve. Of these, about 110,000 had served for two years and about 10,000 for 18 months.

5. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Under-secretary of State for Air how many National Service Reservists were called up for 15 days' training during 1952 and 1953, respectively.

Mr. Ward

Six thousand and 10,000.

8. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Under-secretary of State for Air the policy of Her Majesty's Government in respect of those 100,000 National Service reservists who have not been called up for any training, following the completion of their Colour service with the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Ward

At present, we call up for training only a limited number of Class H reservists whom we shall need immediately on mobilisation and whom we consider must have refresher training in order to be ready to play their full part at once if war should come. We have been considering some modification of the existing arrangements, and I hope to make an announcement on this subject shortly.

Mr. Henderson

Will the Undersecretary bear in mind that, as I am sure he will agree, unless these reservists are given some kind of training after their Colour service, they will be more or less useless? Is it not possible to follow the example of the War Office and attach these men for training to the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadrons, both of which are roughly 50,000 men short of their target?

Mr. Ward

I have said that we are considering modifications to our existing arrangements, and I assure the right hon. and learned Gentleman that his suggestion will be borne in mind during our deliberations.

Mr. de Freitas

Can the hon. Gentleman say what tradesmen are called up at present?

Mr. Ward

No, not by trades. Our policy is to meet the needs of the Royal Air Force in the most economical way and not unnecessarily to take people away from civilian employment.