§ 11. Mr. Boydenasked the Secretary of State for Air if he will consider abolishing the Royal Air Force 142 ceremonial unit, consisting of two officers, six non-commissioned officers and 125 aircraftmen, and costing £64,000 per annum, and utilising other serving airmen for such ceremonial duties as are necessary.
Mr. WardNo, Sir. This unit helps us to met efficiently and economically the frequent need for Royal Air Force ceremonial detachments.
§ Mr. BoydenIn view of the high cost of this unit, will my right hon. Friend look particularly at the duties, occasions and number of men employed with a view to cutting the cost very considerably?
Mr. WardDuring 1959 the unit made over 100 appearances. The maintenance of this unit is much the most economic method in man-hours, and therefore ultimately in money, of meeting our commitments.