HC Deb 12 April 1976 vol 909 c400W
Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many vacancies currently exist for service in the Royal Air Force.

Mr. John

In the recruiting year ending on 31st March 1976 we sought to recruit about 8,000 men and women into the Royal Air Force. The shortfall on this target was about 50 and this figure may be taken as a measure of unfilled vacancies in the Royal Air Force. Expressed as a percentage of total strength—which at 1st February 1976 was 91,276—it is negligible.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the rate of recruitment for the Royal Air Force; if he is satisfied with the quality of applicants: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John

The current rate of recruitment for the Royal Air Force is the equivalent of about 8,000 officers, airmen and airwomen a year. The number of applicants greatly exceeds this and those selected for Royal Air Force service are of satisfactory quality.

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