asked the Secretary of State for Air how many R.A.F. maintenance units are at present being maintained; and how many it is intended to close down in the immediate future.

The R.A.F. now have 102 maintenance units of various types in the United Kingdom. Five of these units will be closed in the next three months, and 25 more by the end of the year. Ninety-one satellite depots will also be closed this year.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he does not need that number of R.A.F. maintenance units at the present time, when we are supposed to be in an era of peace; and, in view of the large number of people who could be released for productive industries at the present time, will he take steps to see that the matter is properly investigated?

Certainly; that is constantly under consideration. These maintenance units include many things, such as the depôts for the stores of which we have been speaking, and also keeping serviceable the aircraft in which our men have to fly.