asked the Minister of State for Defence whether, in view of the Government's declared objectives of improving the capabilities of the Armed Forces, overcoming their manpower difficulties and enhancing their rôle in the community, as set out in Command Paper No. 4521 paragraph 2(2), he will announce plans to recreate flying units within the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.

This is one of the areas that we are at present reviewing. It is too soon to forecast the outcome.

That is welcome news as, up to now, only a thousandth part of the Royal Air Force's budget has gone on the Auxiliaries, and there is no means for expansion in times of tension or war without denuding the training staffs of conversion units at present.

I am always glad to give my hon. Friend welcome news.