HC Deb 25 February 1942 vol 378 cc181-2
10. Major Sir Edward Cadogan

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that when non-commissioned officers of the Royal Air Force are incapacitated by wounds received on operational flights and are, in consequence, transferred to the ground staff, they are liable to lose promotion by such transference; and whether he will give an undertaking that in future non-commissioned officers will not suffer in promotion or pay as a result of wounds received on active service?

Sir A. Sinclair

Non-commissioned aircrew personnel employed on ground duties while temporarily unfit for flying owing to wounds received in action retain their aircrew rates of pay and eligibility for promotion. If they are permanently incapacitated for flying duty but are fit for ground duty, every endeavour is made to find them employment in which loss of pay or promotion prospects is either avoided altogether or reduced to a minimum. I am considering further measures for improving these arrangements.

Sir E. Cadogan

Would it not be possible to differentiate between those who have been transferred because of wounds and those transferred for other reasons?

Sir A. Sinclair

I hope I have made it clear that every effort is made to avoid the anomaly. I will pursue the point.

Sir E. Cadogan

May I supply the right hon. Baronet with the details of a particular case which has come to my notice?

Sir A. Sinclair

I shall be very grateful.

Mr. Bellenger

Does this apply to the commissioned ranks in the same degree?

Sir A. Sinclair

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a Question.