§ 7. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for Air why Wing Commander Taffy Jones, D.S.O., M.C., D.F.C., M.M., after organising three stations for the training of Spitfire pilots, was placed on the retired list; and whether he will provide this airman with the possibility of further assisting in the war effort?
§ The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)This officer reverted to the retired list because there was no further employment available in the Royal Air Force for which he was considered suitable. It is not possible to offer him re-employment with the Royal Air Force.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs not the Minister aware that this man is one of the most heroic officers and, at a time when advertisements are asking for women to do jobs in the Air Force, why is this very competent air fighter kept unemployed? Will the right hon. Gentleman not look into the matter again?
§ Sir A. SinclairI have looked into it very carefully. I can assure hon. Members that we are by no means unmindful of the fine service which this officer has rendered.
§ Mr. EdwardsIf this man were an Englishman, would he not have been employed in a very high post, and will not the Minister have regard to the intense feeling that exists in Wales against the treatment of this gallant man?
§ Mr. GranvilleWas not this officer one of the greatest aces in the last war, and is he not physically fit? Is there no place at all in the Training Command for such a distinguished flying officer of the last war?
§ Sir A. SinclairThere is no suitable place at the moment, and I am sure that the decision which I have taken is the best possible in the interests of the Service.
§ Mr. EdwardsIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the question again.