§ 41. Mr. Kennedyasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that leading aircraftmen and skilled workmen of Group I, who have served for 10 years in the Royal Air Force at home and overseas, are now being refused an opportunity to re-enlist to complete 24 years' service, while men of the same group and trade qualifications with no Air Force experience are being advertised for and enlisted; and whether he can give any reason for this refusal?
§ Earl WintertonThe numbers of airmen in Group I who can be accepted for re-engagement for a further 12 years service depend on requirements from time to time in non-commissioned and warrant ranks as calculated for a number of years ahead, but fresh enlistments must take place continually in order to fill the junior posts. At the present time all such airmen, provided they are suitable, may, if they desire, continue their service either by re-engagement for 12 years so far as requirements allow or by the extension of their engagements for shorter periods; a considerable majority are, in fact, retained to complete 12 years further service. It will be appreciated that while every effort is made to extend the service of suitable men, a constant flow of fresh recruits is necessary for service purposes.