asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will now give instructions to all Commands in the R.A.F. that no personnel who are in Release Groups 1 to 25 shall be sent on courses which involve violent physical exercise, unless they volunteer for them.

No, Sir. Officers and airmen are only called upon to undertake courses involving violent physical exercise if they are of the requisite medical standard. In addition they are under medical supervision while attending the courses.

In what way can the war against Japan be assisted by making middle-aged gentlemen do violent exercises—

The Noble Lord is asking a rather hypothetical question.