HC Deb 27 March 1957 vol 567 cc1138-9
36. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many air chief marshals, air marshals, air vice-marshals, and air commodores, respectively are on the active list of the Royal Air Force and how many of these are employed according to their respective ranks, hold commands, are employed at the Air Ministry, are employed on other staff duties or are not employed on any specific duties.

Mr. Ward

As the Answer includes a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Kershaw

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is in the Royal Air Force any squadron leader who commands a squadron, any wing commander who commands a wing, or any flight lieutenant who commands a flight? If the answer is in the negative, will he take steps to have the names of these ranks altered?

— Air Chief Marshal Air Marshal Air Vice Marshal Air Commodore
Serving at the Air Ministry 3 5 19 44
Holding commands (1) 2 11 25 29
Employed on staff duties outside the AirMinistry (2) 2 2 32 61
In process of changing appointments — — 2 9
Total now on the Active List 7 18 78 143

(1) Including officers holding commands under the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation or with Commonwealth Air Forces.

(2) Including officers employed with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Supply, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, or Commonwealth Air Forces.

(3) With the exception of the 2 air vice marshals and the 9 air commodores in process of changing appointments, all of these officers are employed according to their respective ranks.

(4) Marshals of the Royal Air Force are excluded.