POST-WAR CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. (Hansard, 21 July 1919)

§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for AIR (Major-General Seely)

The rates of pay, pension and allowances for officers of the reconstituted Royal Air Force have now been approved, but, as the details are too lengthy to be brought within the compass of an answer to a question, I will ask my hon. and gallant Friend to allow me to circulate the full statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

An important feature of the new system is that, whereas at present the various branches have each had their own rates of pay, in future there will be uniform rates for all branches, with the exception that certain branches, such as medical works, schoolmasters, will continue to have special rates as hitherto. Except for these branches, all officers joining the Royal Air Force in future will pass the flying test.

The rates have been fixed with reference to the present high cost of living, and it 904 has been decided that 20 per cent, of the rates of pay and retired pay will be considered as due to the present high cost of living and will be subject after five years to change, either upwards or downwards, according as the cost of living rises or falls. Subsequent revisions will be made at three-yearly intervals on the basis of Board of Trade food prices.

The new rates are intended to apply to those officers who are given permanent or short-service commissions in the force as reconstituted or who are seconded to the Royal Air Force from the other Services.

With regard to the pay of other ranks, I hope to be in a position to make a statement during the present week.