asked the Under secretary of State for Air what are the present functions of the R.A.F. station, Azores; how many R.A.F. personnel are stationed there; and how soon this station is to be closed and these airmen repatriated.

The Royal Air Force in the Azores provides meteorological, reconnaissance and air/sea rescue services, staging post facilities and navigational aids. Our commitment there is declining, but we cannot give a definite date for closing the station, nor would it be in accordance with present policy to give the numbers of our Forces in particular places overseas. I can, however, say that before long we hope to repatriate the majority of the Royal Air Force who are now. serving in the Azores.

Can my hon. Friend also give an assurance that there are not now more men there than are needed. to do those special jobs he mentioned?

Yes, Sir, I think I can give that assurance.

What conceivable objection is there to giving the number of men in the Azores today?

There has been a Government decision that the number of men in particular fields or areas all over the world should not be given.