§ Mr. W. BAKERasked the Secretary of State for Air if he will consider the desirability of staffing the stores and accountant branches of the Royal Air Force with civilians; and what flying duties are done by the wing-commanders, 1668W squadron leaders, flight lieutenants, flying officers and pilot officers, numbering 358, employed in these branches?
§ Sir S. HOAREAs regards the first part of the question, stores and accountant officers form an integral part of Royal Air Force units in peace and war and any general replacement of them by civilians is impracticable. In a limited number of posts at home it has been found that civilians can be advantageously employed, and in these eases substitution has been effected. The question of possible further substitution is periodically reviewed. As regards the second part, the officers referred to are not required to undertake flying duties.