§ 59. Mr. Thurtleaswed the Secretary of State for Air whether under the substitution scheme ex-officers of good record are eligible for appointments as assistant adjutants and accountants, and whether priority is given to retired officers in receipt of retired pay in the making of such appointments?
§ Sir K. WoodIn making selections for appointments to assistant adjutant posts ex-officers of the Royal Naval Air Service, Royal Flying Corps, and Royal Air Force are eligible for consideration, and also ex-officers of the Army and Navy who have retired or been invalided during the previous five years in a rank not above lieut.-colonel or commander respectively. No priority is given to officers in receipt of retired pay. As regards civilian accountant officers, preference is given to officers who have served in the Royal Air Force Accountant Branch. Otherwise selection is confined to officers of the three Services in receipt of retired pay.
§ Mr. ThurtleMay I have the right hon. Gentleman's assurance that no priority is, in fact, given to retired officers on retired pay?
§ Sir K. WoodI would like to consider that. I have answered the question on the Paper. Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to communicate with him on the matter.