§ VISCOUNT TRENCHARDMy Lords, I beg leave to ask His Majesty's Government the following question of which I have given private notice: How many auxiliary squadrons of the Royal Air Force have already been formed?
§ LORD HENDERSONMy Lords, His Majesty's Government are glad to announce that the twenty auxiliary Air Force Flying Squadrons which existed before the war, and earned such distinction in action, have been re-formed. There are thirteen day-fighter, three night-fighter and four light-bomber squadrons. The squadrons were raised and administered before the war by the County Territorial Army and Air Force Associations. His Majesty's Government are grateful to the Associations for under taking these duties again. Recruiting from former members of the Royal Air Force will begin this week-end at each of the squadron headquarters. An announcement will be made later about other forms of non-regular service for those who are unable to join these squadrons.
§ VISCOUNT TRENCHARDI thank the noble Lord for the courtesy of his reply and for stating the number so fully. In view of the importance of the most magnificent work they did in the 1939–1945 war for this country, I am glad to hear that these squadrons are being re-formed. I hope that in the new Session His Majesty's Government will see fit to double the number.