HC Deb 28 March 1923 vol 162 cc522-3W
Viscount CURZON

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any comparative figures to show the proportion of ground staff to flying personnel in the Air Service of the United States, Belgium, France, and Great Britain?

Sir S. HOARE

I regret that I am unable to give the figures suggested. As I have previously pointed out, in the United States, France and Belgium a large number of the personnel employed on duties in connection with the Air Ser- vices (for example, personnel for wireless, recruiting, transport., works, provision of rations and clothing, medical services, etc.) are found by the Army and Navy and are not budgeted for separately or otherwise distinguished from Army or Navy personnel. It is, therefore, impossible to assess with accuracy their numbers or to give the comparative figures asked for.