§ 59. Mr. Lawsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when it was decided that where National Service men opted for the Royal Air Force preference in selection should be given to those who could be persuaded to enlist for more than the prescribed two years.
Mr. Ward:No such decision is in force. There is a limited number of vacancies for National Service men in the Royal Air Force and keen competition for them. Suitable men who cannot secure a vacancy as National Service men are offered Regular engagements, which they often prefer to accept as an alternative to doing National Service in one of the other Services.