§ Wing-Commander Jamesasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Civil Air Guard is primarily intended to augment our air strength in time of war; and, if so, whether it is kept under review by the Air Staff or is planned for by the Department of Civil Aviation?
Captain BalfourThe Civil Air Guard is designed to provide a body of men and women physically fit and with a knowledge of flying who have pledged themselves to give their services at once in a national emergency either to the Royal Air Force or otherwise in support of our air effort. It is a civilian organisation run under the auspices of the light aeroplane clubs and centrally administered by a commission, which is at all times in the closest contact with the Civil Aviation Department of the Air Ministry. There is also close consultation with the Service authorities in my Department in regard to the duties which members of the Civil Air Guard will perform in an emergency.