HC Deb 30 November 1932 vol 272 cc829-30W
Mr. PERKINS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total number of regular Royal Air Force squadrons stationed at home; the total number of regular squadrons stationed abroad; and the reasons for maintaining any large number abroad?

Sir P. SASSOON

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is 39 and 23 squadrons respectively, excluding the equivalent of 13½ squadrons in the Fleet Air Arm. The last part of the question cannot adequately be answered within the limits of a Parliamentary reply, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that the number of squadrons stationed overseas is the minimum required for the purposes of defence.