HC Deb 14 December 1922 vol 159 cc3124-5
73 and 74. Mr. PIELOU

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) the number of ex-service men and the number of non-service men employed in Section R.D. 3 of the Air Ministry;

(2) whether non-service men are employed in the most important positions in Section K.D. 3 of the Air Ministry; whether the ex-service men employed in subordinate positions can be given an opportunity to prove by test their greater qualifications for holding the more important posts at present held by non-service men; and whether an inquiry has been held into the staffing of the said section?

The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Samuel Hoare)

As the answer to these questions is somewhat long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The numbers of ex-service men and non-service men in the Section referred to are eight and three respectively. The head of the Section, in receipt of £925 per annum, is an ex-service man. Three officials next in rank in receipt of £650, £540 and £500 per annum are non-service men; in addition, there are two posts at £450 per annum, two at £425 per annum, one at £400 per annum, one at £350 per annum, and one at £300 per annum. These are all held by ex-service men. It is the general policy to secure to ex-service men in such positions opportunities for qualifying for advancement, and the work of those in this Section has been under close observation for some time with this object in view. Qualification can, however, only be established by experience of the work done over a considerable period, and great care has been taken to ensure that only the best qualified men are being retained. An inquiry has been held into the staffing of the Section. My hon. Friend will, I think, agree that in the interests of efficiency it is not right to keep men doing responsible work under constant threat of displacement. I would add that I am hoping to meet shortly representatives of the Association of Ex-service Civil Servants and to take up with them any outstanding questions of this kind relating to my Department.