asked the Secretary of State for Air what is now the strength of the Royal Air Force Regiment; and whether it is his intention to increase the size of this unit.

The strength of the Royal Air Force Regiment is about 5,000. The question of an increase in size is under consideration.

Is the Minister satisfied that the aerodromes in the east of England are properly protected against airborne attack, and can he tell the House whether any ex-members of the Royal Air Force Regiment will be included in the proposed call-up?

The latter part of that question raises an entirely different matter, and perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put it on the Order Paper. In regard to the first part, again, it is a matter of opinion as to whether anything can be properly defended. What I can say is that, within the limits of the establishment of the R.A.F. Regiment, we are satisfied that it is sufficient and able to do the job it has to do.

How can it do it with 5,000 men?

I want to be quite frank with the House. All the 5,000 men are not deployed in this country—

That makes it worse.

—but, after all, there are other forms of anti-aircraft defence, and Anti-Aircraft Command have to be considered.