HC Deb 11 July 1956 vol 556 c382
23. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many officers of the rank of air vice-marshal and upwards are now serving in the Royal Air Force; and by how many the number will be reduced as a consequence of economies in the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Birch

Ninety-eight. I cannot yet say what the future establishment will be.

Mr. Hynd

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking care to see that the Air Force is not top-heavy with these high ranks and that the numbers are in proportion to those of other ranks in the Air Force?

Mr. Birch

Yes, certainly.

Mr. de Freitas

Will the Minister insist that his senior officers in the Air Ministry make themselves responsible for cutting down their staffs and do not rely on bringing in the Director of Works Study, who appears to be inclined to act as a very expensive scapegoat for the senior officers not doing a job which should be theirs?

Mr. Birch

I will bear the hon. Gentleman's point in mind.