34. Mr. Alan Lee Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration is being given by the Royal Air Force to a widening of the operation for members of the Women's Royal Air Force to undertake duties across a greater range of Royal Air Force activities including aircrew.
§ Mr. WellbelovedMembers of the Women's Royal Air Force are not employed in combatant roles. Apart from this, the aim is to widen the opportunities for women to undertake duties across a greater range of Royal Air Force activities, but account has to be taken of their different terms of service, for example, the right to leave on marriage, and the effect of these on training costs and manning requirements. With the exception of air loadmasters, aircrew service is not open to airwomen because aircrew must at present be recruited as potential combatants. The policy is kept under regular review. I would, however, welcome the view of the hon. Member on this question.