§ Mr. Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that this year's annual training of Territorial Anti-Aircraft Units of the Royal Artillery has been seriously marred by the failure to provide towed aerial targets; what was the reason for the failure to provide such targets; and what steps are being taken to ensure that they will be available in future.
§ Mr. A. HendersonI am aware that not all the flying required could be provided for these camps. The reason was that the Royal Air Force is short of skilled manpower, and the position is aggravated by the fact that the Martinet aircraft used for towing are old and difficult to keep serviceable. A replacement is being developed but there are still technical difficulties to be overcome. Every effort will be made to meet this commitment as soon as possible.