§ Mr. Crowderasked the Secretary of State for Air whether a certain pass standard of the prescribed tests is a necessary qualification for Head Observers and deputy Head Observers in the Observer Corps to enable them to give the necessary leadership; and, if not, whether it is intended to introduce some such standard?
§ Sir A. SinclairThere are no prescribed tests for personnel of the Royal Observer Corps. Head Observers are selected by Observer Group Officers, usually in consultation with the Area Commandant, from amongst those members who are, in their opinion, most suitable by virtue of their efficiency and powers of leadership. This method has given good results and no change is contemplated.
§ Mr. Crowderasked the Secretary of State for Air whether a record is kept of the amount of duty-time put in by members of the Observer Corps; and whether members who put in less than a certain monthly minimum, otherwise than on valid grounds, will be retained in the service?
§ Sir A. SinclairThe answer to the first part of the Question as in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Royal Observer Corps is required to keep the posts and centres continuously manned and no member is retained in the Corps if he fails to put in a reasonable number of hours a week.