§ Mr. Lewisasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the reasons for retaining such large numbers of physically-fit men at the headquarters of the Royal Air Force Police, Ruislip; and whether he will examine the roll of the personnel who have been held back or withdrawn from overseas postings during recent months, in view of the fact that some officers and men are being kept back from active service for the convenience of those concerned.
Mr. WardThere are seven officers and 54 airmen at the headquarters of No. 5 R.A.F. Police District, Ruislip. This strength is barely sufficient for the varied duties of the headquarters which include mounting disciplinary patrols and undertaking criminal and security investigations for the whole of the London area and South-East England.
Fifteen members of this headquarters were temporarily screened from overseas posting because they had been selected for special Coronation duties, but apart from this none of them has enjoyed or will enjoy any special exemption from overseas posting.