§ Squadron-Leader Flemingasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider the advisability of detailing Volunteer Reserve married officers to proceed overseas, particularly those who expressed their willingness, on Form 1020, to serve abroad instead of asking them periodically to volunteer to do so?
§ Sir A. SinclairThe normal practice of the Air Ministry is to ask commanders-in-chief for recommendations for overseas appointments and to place under orders 1585W for service overseas those officers who are considered to be suitable. Before submitting their recommendations, commanders-in-chief may find it expedient to call for volunteers and I see no reason why this practice, which has obvious advantages, should not continue. Subject to medical fitness, however, all officers, married and unmarried, are liable for overseas service and are detailed for it if necessary. The form to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers does not provide for an expression of willingness to serve abroad.