HC Deb 21 January 1942 vol 377 c335
24. Mr. Ammon

asked the Secretary of State for Air, why there is a differentiation of treatment of pilot-officers grounded through lack of nerve, in that commissioned officers suffer no loss of status, but non-commissioned do and are placed on fatigue duties?

Sir A. Sinclair

There is no differentiation in principle in the treatment accorded to officers and airmen in the circumstances stated.

Mr. Ammon

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "in principle"? There is a difference in practice.

Sir A. Sinclair

There is no difference in practice, except this. The airman who has been trained for air crew duties reverts to his status as aircraftman, unless he has a basic trade, and later on he will have opportunities of being trained for a trade. In the case of an officer who, without there being any medical grounds for his failure, has forfeited the confidence of his commanding officer in his reliability and his willingness to face danger, he is called upon to resign his commission. When he has resigned his commission, he becomes available to be called up under the National Service Acts, and to be given such duties as he is suited for.