§ Mr. Pottasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied with the recruitment of dentists for the Royal Air Force; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. WardWe still need more dental officers and this need will increase when the entry of qualified men under National Service Act comes to an end. We have decided to supplement existing methods of recruitment by offering a number of cadetships in the Dental Branch. Successful candidates will be commissioned as acting pilot officers and will study at a University for a dental degree.
The cadetships will be open to young men between 17 and 19½ years of age with appropriate educational qualifications. Some categories of serving officers and airmen below the age of 26 will also be eligible to apply.
We hope that the new scheme will appeal to men who are keen to practise dental surgery and at the same time to take advantage of the career which the Service has to offer.