§ Sir F. SYKESasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what were the numbers of Royal Air Force personnel engaged on 30th June, 1923, and 30th June., 1924, respectively, on active duty as pilot or observer, and on other duties?
§ Mr. LEACHTo ascertain the number of pilots and observers employed actively on flying duties on the two dates named would entail very considerable research, the labour on which would not, I think, be justified. I would, however, point out that all officers of the General Duties Branch, unless excused on the ground of758W age, medical unfitness or other special reasons, are required to fly regularly. The numbers of such officers were 2,353 on 30th June, 1923, and 2,481 on 30th June, 1924, and there were in addition 23 and 106 airmen pilots on these dates, respectively. The remaining personnel numbered 623 officers and 26,338 airmen on 30th June, 1923, and 675 officers and 28,418 airmen on 30th June, 1924.