HC Deb 01 August 1957 vol 574 cc264-5W
104. Wing Commander Bullus

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will take steps to increase interest in the Air Training Corps, in view of its importance to the aim of an all-Regular air force; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

As I said in the Air Estimates debate, with the approaching end of National Service the Air Training Corps—and also of course the R.A.F. sections of the Combined Cadet Force—will become increasingly important to the Service as sources of regular recruits. In addition, they will be of continuing value to the nation as a whole in fostering leadership, initiative and the air-minded spirit. Many improvements to the A.T.C. have already been carried out as a result of the work of the Committee under my hon. Friend who is now the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply; and we are at present considering ways of making the Corps still more effective and attractive.