Splitting hairs a bit, but I was under the impression that the pieces of kit were called slats, and the the flow of air was directed through the slots formed
I see your point. However, reference to RAAF Publication No. 416, Pilot's Notes for Tiger Moth Aircraft and date February 1944, the List of Contents includes at paragraph 8, the word Automatic Slots.
In turn, this is amplified with a full description of Automatic Slots. e.g Sub Para (ii) "The operating lever should be near the rear-most position when the slots are locked. With the lever in the forward position the slots should be quite free."
There are other references to `Slots` as against `Slats` For example paragraph 23 under heading of Take Off states;- "The setting of the controls during the Drill of Vital Actions is as follows:-
1. Elevator trim is neutral (central position on quadrant)
2. Tighten throttle friction nut.
3. mixture control right back to fully rich position.
4. Fuel cock fully on, tank contents sufficient for flight.
5. Slots unlocked (lever fully forward)
etc etc
I must admit that `Slats` sounds more logical but I guess in 1944 the terminology was different.