§ Sir R. Youngasked the Secretary of State for Air how many applications have been made for a commission in the Equipment Branch of the Royal Air Force; what are the qualifications for such work; whether he is aware that interviews have been granted at which questions regarding reasons for wishing to join this branch, 1064W medical fitness and languages spoken have been asked and, when answered satisfactorily, promise of an early decision has been given; whether these are the only qualifications necessary; and why no technical questions are asked thereby guaranteeing that fully qualified persons will be chosen?
§ Sir K. WoodMany hundreds of applications have been received for commissions in the Equipment Branch of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, for which the principal qualifications are a good education, business or industrial experience, and preferably a knowledge of stores records and the handling of stores. The final assessment of the suitability of an applicant is made by a Selection Board, who ask the candidate questions covering the whole of his career, including his educational record and his business or industrial experience, and I am satisfied that every effort is made to secure the recruitment of fully qualified persons. Questions as to general health may be put at the interview but medical fitness is decided by a medical board.