§ Sir F. SYKESasked the Secretary of State for Air (1) whether, in accordance with War Office practice, he will arrange for publication in future Air Estimates of details of officers borne on staff establishments; and whether he will include in such publication details of classification of duties under flying, engineering, and non-technical ground duties;
(2) whether, in accordance with War Office practice, he will arrange for publication in future Air Estimates of details of personnel establishment of units; and whether he will include in such publication details of classification of duties under flight, technical and non-technical ground duties?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe number of officers borne on all staff and unit establishments of the Royal Air Force can be ascertained by reference to the monthly Air Force List, which also contains a considerable amount of information as to the distribution of duties. The classification of duties suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend does not correspond to the basis on which the duties are in fact allocated. Royal Air Force establishments depend on many varying factors, such as nature of work, types of aircraft, and geographical situation. It is consequently impossible to classify them under a limited number of heads; moreover, apart from their multiplicity, frequent revisions are necessary. They are, therefore, not at all suitable for publication in annual Estimates. For these and other reasons I am afraid that the adoption of his suggestions is not practicable.
§ Sir F. SYKESasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can arrange for the publication in future Estimates of a statement, similar to that published in Army Estimates, showing the annual cost of maintenance of the Royal Air Force as distinct from annual cash expenditure thereon?
§ Sir S. HOAREA complete costing statement for the Air Force as a whole would be almost valueless unless based on data which could only be compiled if a large additional staff were employed for the purpose, and, in the circumstances, I do not think that the expense involved would be justified.