HC Deb 30 July 1958 vol 592 cc124-5W
Mr. Farey-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will now make a statement about the future of the Auxiliary Fighter Control Units.

Mr. Ward

Yes. I explained to the House last November that the Control and Reporting System is in process of being re-equipped and re-organised, that there could never be complete certainty about the long-term requirement for the Auxiliary Fighter Control Units, and that, so far as we could see, out of the remaining eighteen units there were five with an uncertain future.

We have now concluded with great regret that four out of the five units which I named last November as being in doubt, must be disbanded. These units are:—

  • No. 3507 (County of Somerset) F.C.U.
  • No. 3602 (City of Glasgow) F.C.U.
  • No. 3608 (North Riding) F.C.U.
  • No. 3701 (County of Sussex) R.R.U.

The fifth unit, No. 3603 F.C.U. (Edinburgh) is being retained for the time being, as it may be required in a new rôle associated with the war functions of Headquarters No. 18 Group, Coastal Command. A decision on this unit can be expected in the near future.

I must also announce with great regret that in the light of our latest plans for the Control and Reporting System there can be no further requirement for No. 3500 (County of Kent) F.C.U., and this unit must now be disbanded.

I should like to express sincere thanks to the public spirited men and women of the five units which are to be disbanded. The date of disbandment will be 15th October. Bounties will be paid on the same basis as for the earlier disbandments, i.e. personnel who transfer to the R.Aux.A.F. Reserve as an alternative to discharge will be paid bounty apportioned to the date of disbandment and, in addition, one year's bounty, or proportionate bounty to the end of their current engagement if it ceases in the year.

The Control and Reporting System changes as equipment and techniques are introduced. However the present reorganisation of Auxiliary Fighter Control Units is now complete. But while it would be wrong to pretend that there can ever be complete certainty in these matters it is a fact that so far as we can foresee we shall continue to need the remaining units. I hope that with this assurance the volunteers who man them will continue to give the loyal and efficient service that we have always received in the past.

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