HC Deb 02 July 1941 vol 372 cc1327-8
17. Sir Robert Young

asked the Secretary of State for Air how long it takes to produce qualified cooks in the air branch of His Majesty's services; whether he is aware that some men, after 12 months' service, are still under training and are receiving pay of 3s. 3d. a day instead of the approximate rate of 5s. a day; and why these men have not been allowed to appear before a local trade test board?

Sir A. Sinclair

The period between the entry of an unskilled man into the R.A.F. and his classification as a cook after training and trade testing should normally not exceed about 4 months and it is usually appreciably less. As regards the second and third parts of the Question, if the hon. Member will let me have details of any cases to which he refers I shall be pleased to look into them.

Sir R Young

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a large number of cases of this kind?

Sir A. Sinclair

Frankly, I was not aware of it. If my hon. Friend will send me the names, I will gladly look into those cases.