HC Deb 06 March 1939 vol 344 cc1744-5
44. Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the average time spent in the various groups for promotion from leading air-craftman to corporal, sergeant, and flight-sergeant; for what reasons the period spent in group 1 is longer; and whether he is aware that the majority in this group are ex-Royal Air Force apprentices and are thereby penalised from the pension point of view owing to the shorter period served as corporal, sergeant, etc.?

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)

I regret that it is not practicable to furnish the information asked for in the first part of the question since the periods vary from time to time, and as between trades in each group. The policy of my Department is framed on the basis of providing better opportunities of promotion for ex-apprentice tradesmen and technical tradesmen than for other airmen. During the present period of rapid expansion it is, however, inevitable that there should be temporary inequalities in the rates of promotion, but the matter is kept under continuous review and steps are taken from time to time to adjust the position as far as possible.

46. Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that a number of corporals and sergeants of technical grades in group 1, who returned from the East in December last, have been recalled for duty at Halton two or three weeks before the expiration of their leave because there is a shortage of instructors; and whether he will cause immediate promotions to be made in this group to overcome this shortage so that these men who have been recalled may be issued with railway warrants and allowed to complete their leave?

Captain Balfour

On account of the urgent need for instructors in the group 1 fitter trade at Halton Royal Air Force Station, four instructors were recalled to duty after having had nearly two months of their overseas leave. The balances of leave, varying between 14 and 19 days, will be granted them at an early date. I would point out to the hon. Member that, whilst every endeavour is made to avoid recalling airmen from leave, leave is always subject to the exigencies of the Service.

47. Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that instructors of technical ability are detailed for duties that should normally be carried out by non-technical non-commissioned officers of group 5; and will he consider issuing instructions to ensure that these instructors are employed only on duties for which their technical knowledge is required, and the desirability of making an instructional allowance to these skilled men whilst carrying out the duties of technical instructors as is done in the Royal Navy?

Captain Balfour

Instructors of technical ability are normally required to carry out duties in connection with their trade and also such duties as may be required of them by virtue of their Royal Air Force rank. As regards the last part of the question, instructors like all other airmen receive a rate of pay commensurate with the duties they are asked to perform. It is not, therefore, necessary to supplement the pay of technical instructors by means of an allowance.