HC Deb 27 March 1946 vol 421 cc67-8W
82. Mr. Daggar

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air for how long it is proposed to retain R.A.F. personnel in Iceland; the number of aircraft in operation there; and whether he is aware of complaints made because of the small number of duties performed by the men.

Mr. Strachey:

We hope to complete the withdrawal of the Royal Air Force from Iceland in the course of the summer, and we are already arranging to hand over the airfield at Reykjavik to the Icelandic Government. There are no longer any R.A.F. aircraft established in Iceland, though two or three old aircraft which have been left there are still used occasionally. The only outstanding question is to arrange for the continued operation of the important Atlantic navigation and signals facilities which are centred on the island. The Royal Air Force will be responsible for this work until the changeover has been completed, but at least half the present strength will be able to come home as soon as transport is available.