Mr. BAKERasked the Secretary of State for Air the number of independent stations occupied by the Royal Air Force and the number where they are in association with other troops; if members of the Royal Air Force attend religious services with troops of other arms when stationed in the same locality; and why it is considered necessary to have 25 chaplains for a total personnel of 33,000?
§ Sir S. HOAREAll Air Force stations are independent, and I assume the hon. Member has in mind rather the proximity of such stations to naval or military stations. Particulars of the Air Force stations are given in the Air Force List, and it will be seen that the very great majority are isolated and so situated that common religious ministration with the other arms is impracticable. Wherever it is practicable, arrangements are made for the chaplain of one of the three Services to minister to the personnel of the others. At small and remote stations not justifying the appointment of a chaplain, arrangements are made for local ministers of religion to perform the necessary duties. The 25 chaplains referred to are necessary to meet the requirements of stations to which the arrangements indicated above cannot be applied.