asked the Secretary of State for Air the proportionate relationship beween medical officers and other ranks at the conclusion of the war in Europe and also at the present time.

At the end of the war in Europe the proportion of medical orderlies to medical officers in the Royal Air Force was just under six to one. On 31st December, 1946, the proportion was just over six to one.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the total proportion to other ranks not in the medical service?

Yes, Sir. I am afraid that I misread the Question. But I have the other figures here. At the end of war in Europe, there was one medical officer in the R.A.F. to every 437 officers and other ranks, and on 31st December, 1946, the proportion was one to 330.