83. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether any decision has yet been arrived at as to awarding technical pay to officers in category B of the Royal Air Force; whether their duties are of less importance than those of the officers in category A; and whether, when a decision is arrived at, in the event of it not already having been reached, emoluments will be made retrospective to temporary officers as and from the date of the Air Ministry Order of 26th September, 1918?
§ Major-General SEELYThis matter has been very carefully considered, and it has been decided not to award technical pay generally to officers in category B, as their duties do not involve the same standard of technical knowledge as those of officers in category A.
Sir F. HALLIs it not the case that the duties which attach to officers in category A include the inspection of fire appliances and sewing of gas balloons, whereas in category B it is necessary for officers to be well up in armaments and chemistry, and why are they treated on the same lines?
§ Major-General SEELYThis is a highly technical matter on which we might spend a quarter of an hour in arguing together. I shall be glad to write to my hon. Friend.