§ Dr. Broughtonasked the Secretary of State for Air what percentage of the personnel of the Medical Branch of the Royal Air Force is formed by women of the Women's Royal Air Force.
§ Dr. Broughtonasked the Secretary of State for Air how many vacancies in the rank of warrant officer in the Medical Branch of the Royal Air Force are likely to be available during the next six years for airmen who are now flight sergeants.
§ Dr. Broughtonasked the Secretary of State for Air what proportion of National Service medical officers in the Royal Air Force reach squadron leader rank, substantive or acting before the completion of two years' service.
§ Mr. BirchNone reach the substantive rank of squadron leader, but at present about 7 per cent. are holding the acting rank.
§ Dr. Broughtonasked the Secretary of State for Air what facilities are made available for medical officers of the Royal Air Force to experience flying in modern aircraft in order to gain an understanding of problems faced by aircrew.
§ Mr. BirchA number of medical officers are trained to fly modern operational aircraft and serve for a time as pilots. They are subsequently employed in special posts at the Institute of Aviation Medicine, at certain flying stations and Command headquarters, and at the Air Ministry, where their flying experience is of particular value. From time to time they are replaced by younger men with similar training, so that the most up-to-date experience is always available.
Medical officers not trained as pilots are encouraged to fly as passengers whenever this can be arranged.