HC Deb 27 February 1957 vol 565 cc184-5W
117. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the number of air marshals has increased to over 100; how many of them are on operational duties; how many are at the Air Ministry; and how many are on other duties.

Mr. Ward

The increase of three posts to which the hon. Member refers is accounted for by the establishment of the Air Secretary, and by the up-grading of two posts from air commodore to air vice-marshal.

Of the one hundred and one posts currently established for air vice-marshals and above, fifty-eight are in Royal Air Force commands, and twenty-six at the Air Ministry. The remainder include posts with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Supply; with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation; and with Commonwealth Air Forces.

119. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many air chief marshals. air marshals, and air commodores are on the active list with the Royal Air Force: and how the numbers compare with 1951.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

Following is the establishment for these ranks as at 1st February. 1951. and 1st February, 1957:

— 1/2/51 1/2/57
Air Chief Marshal and above 9 6
Air Marshal 17 20
Air Vice-Marshal 70 75
Air Commodore 127 147
223 248

118. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for Air how much flying pay was paid in 1956 to officers of the rank of squadron leader and above; and what was the number of hours flown by them in order to qualify for their flying pay.

Mr. Ward

Approximately £1,135,000. I regret that there is no central record of the total hours flown by these officers during 1956.