§ 31. Mr. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for Air if he will reconsider the period and timing of overseas tours for men in the R.A.F., and, as far as possible, allow their last period to be served at home preparatory to their re-entry into civilian life.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerBefore the war all regular airmen normally spent their last year of service in the United Kingdom, and I agree with the hon. Member that this practice should be restored as soon as it can advantageously be done. At present, however, the Air Force is so short of trained men that, if the change were made today, either the length of the overseas tour would have to be increased or the period spent at home between tours would have to be cut down.