20. Miss Rathboneasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will explain the position of education officers in the R.A.F.; whether they have the same rights as regards separation allowances for their wives and families, disability and widows' pensions, etc., as other R.A.F. officers of corresponding rank; or whether their commissions are honorary and they are without any assured rights other than those of civilians in the above respects?
§ Sir A. SinclairI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Stourbridge (Mr. R. Morgan) on 21st April. Members of the Royal Air Force Educational Service, whether serving at home or overseas, are employed on a civilian basis. They retain all their rights under the terms of their civilian appointments and accordingly are not entitled to the pay, allowances and pensions of mobilised officers.
Miss RathboneDoes not my right hon. Friend recognise that the present position is very unsatisfactory, especially in regard to education officers who have to go abroad and face risks from the enemy and to their health without adequate protection for the future of their wives and children?
§ Sir A. SinclairI received my hon. Friend's letter and this Question only yesterday, and I am looking into the facts she has put to me.