§ Group Captain Wilcockasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how far it will be possible to approve extension of service for aircrew members of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve who are now completing their initial period of Reserve service.
Mr. WardSince the end of the war, most aircrew members of the R.A.F.V.R. and other Reserves have been men who learnt to fly before or during the war. Many had operational experience: others were still under instruction when the war ended. We are very grateful to all of them for their service.
During the next few years, an increasing number of National Service aircrew or young men who have completed short Regular engagements will be passing to the Reserve; and we can therefore use 97W more discrimination in selecting for extension of contract those aircrew reservists whose qualifications are likely to be most useful to the Royal Air Force in the future. Age and flying experience will be considered, as well as any special qualifications.
Future Reserve requirements are under review, and for the present no engagements will be renewed for more than two years.