§ 21. Captain Cunningham-Reidasked the Secretary of State for Air, why the period which must elapse before a sergeant, after obtaining his wings, can be promoted to flight-lieutenant is three months longer in the R.A.F. than it is in the air forces of the Dominions; and will he take steps to remove this anomaly which is operating unfairly towards our own personnel?
§ Captain BalfourAs the arrangements for the promotion of aircrew to flight lieutenant are the same in the Dominion Air Forces as in the Royal Air Force, I assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to promotion to flight sergeant. It is impracticable in this, as in other matters, to maintain exact uniformity between the conditions of service in the Royal Air Force and the Dominion Air Forces.
§ Captain Cunningham-ReidDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciate that in spite of his courteous answer there is still cause for much dissatisfaction as to this particular point among our own air personnel?
§ Captain BalfourNo, Sir. The period was fixed having regard to the varying conditions in the many branches of the Royal Air Force.