§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many yachts are used by officers and men of the Royal Air Force in the course of their duties.
§ Mr. JohnTwo yachts are maintained for offshore sailing under rigorous conditions, and, if necessary, additional yachts are hired.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will introduce legislation to require yachts operated by the Armed Forces to be used for recuperative trips for war pensioners, old-age pensioners and those persons suffering from an industrial disease or injury.
§ Mr. JohnThe very full use that is already made of these yachts by serving men and women would make it very difficult to release them for other purposes. They are in any case quite un-suited for the type of use suggested in the question—the accommodation on board the yachts is compact and movement would be hazardous for the elderly or infirm.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost to public funds of the Royal Air Force Sailing Association.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the strategic defence purposes of yachting by members of the Royal Air Force.
§ Mr. JohnThere is none. The RAF pursues a number of useful activities that are not in themselves of strategic significance.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the strategic defence purpose of the recent training cruise by eight Royal Air Force officers on the yacht "Dambuster".