HC Deb 24 February 1960 vol 618 cc47-8W
55. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for Air approximately how many aircraft, engines, aircrew, officers and men other than aircrew, there were in the Royal Air Force and auxiliaries on 1st April, 1939, and 1st April, 1959, respectively.

Mr. W. J. Taylor

The information is as follows:

— 1st April, 1939 1st April, 1959
Aircraft 9,702* 5,194
Engines Not available 13,090
Aircrew (including auxiliaries and aircrew under training) 8,554 13,616
Officers and men (including auxiliaries) other than aircrew 105,202 161,225
* Total as at 1st June, 1939.

56. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for Air approximately how many officers of air commodore rank and above, officers and men below the rank of air commodore, commands and groups there were in the Royal Air Force and auxiliaries on 1st April, 1939, and 1st April, 1959, respectively.

Mr. W. J. Taylor

The information is as follows:

— 1st April, 1939 1st April, 1959
Air Commodores and above 84 250
Personnel below air rank 113,672 174,591
Commands 14 12
Groups 19 17