§ 37. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Air what ratio of aircrew to aircraft is used when calculating the future requirements of aircrew.
§ Mr. BirchThe ratio varies according to the type and rôle of the aircraft. It would not be in the public interest to give details.
§ Mr. de FreitasIs it not a fact that the Air Ministry is still making far too generous a provision of aircrew for aircraft, thinking rather upon the scale of large bomber fleets, etc.? Should not the Secretary of State look at this matter most carefully in view of the enormous expenditure—probably as much as £30,000—involved in training a pilot?
§ Mr. BirchI quite agree. As a matter of fact, these ratios are reviewed every six months. I agree that this matter should be kept under constant consideration.