§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Air what training is given to National Service airmen before they are sent abroad; what period is first served at home; and what is the minimum age at which they are sent abroad.
§ Mr. A. HendersonIn accordance with the policy formulated for the economical employment of National Service airmen, they are, so far as possible, given trade training "on the job," or by association. This is done both at home and overseas. During their recruit training volunteers92W are accepted to fill posts abroad for which Regular airmen are not available; the remaining vacancies abroad are filled by compulsory drafting, regard being paid to medical fitness and claims for exemption for compassionate reasons. Embarkation leave is given to those selected and actual drafting takes place some weeks later. During the waiting period the airmen are given such preliminary trade training as is possible. On reaching their overseas destination the airmen are given approximately two months further trade training "on the job" after which, provided they pass their tests, they become available for normal duties.
The requirements as to minimum ages and periods of service in this country which must be fulfilled before National Service airmen are sent abroad vary according to the overseas destination. They may be briefly summarised as follows:
To Korea: An airman must have reached the age of 19 and have completed at least four months' service before embarkation.
To Far East Air Force: An airman must have reached the age of 18 years and 3 months and have completed at least four months' service before embarkation.
To all other overseas destinations: An airman must have reached the age of 18 years and 3 months and have completed at least 12 weeks' service before embarkation.