§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for Air what is the total strength of the A.T.C.; to what extent is their pre-service organisation administered by his Department and R.A.F. Commands; and how far does this system necessitate co-operation with county territorial and auxiliary forces associations.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe total strength of the A.T.C. is about 50,000. The day-to-day command and administration of the Corps is the responsibility of the A.O.C.-in-C., Reserve Command, under the general direction of the Air Ministry. The organisation of the Corps rests on local A.T.C. Units and their committees, but it is the policy of the Air Council to link the A.T.C. as closely as practicable with territorial and auxiliary forces associations. So far, the associations have been asked to co-operate with county A.T.C. committees and to assist in forming such committees where they do not exist. This will bring the A.T.C. into closer touch with the activities of other Cadet and Auxiliary Forces; it will also help the Corps in its contacts with employers, trades unions and local civic and education authorities. As co-operation develops, further responsibilities towards the Corps will be entrusted to the associations, and detailed guidance will be issued by my Department as necessary.