§ Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Secretary of State for Air whether lads between the ages of 18 and 18½ years, if suitable and willing, may be enrolled in the Air Training Corps; and whether he will revise the age limit so as to include them?
Captain BalfourThe basis of the Air Training Corps scheme is the provision, with financial assistance from public funds, of instruction in air matters for boys between 16 and 18 who intend to serve in the Royal Air Force, and the scheme cannot usefully be extended to permit of the enrolment of older youths. Nevertheless, certain facilities are available for young men between the ages of 18–18½ who wish to serve in the Royal Air Force. Those who are actually serving in the Air Training Corps are eligible to continue serving until called up. Others may receive technical instruction with the Corps if they can be accommodated; but no grants from the Exchequer are payable in their case.