HC Deb 20 December 1944 vol 406 cc1760-1
20. Sir John Mellor

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps he is taking to make known to the airmen concerned that periods of service in the Sudan, Aden or Iraq, up to a maximum of two years, will be reckoned as time and a half towards qualification for transfer to the home establishment.

Sir A. Sinclair

The tour of duty in the Sudan, Aden, and Iraq is two years followed by one year in another overseas command. Time spent in those areas does not count as time and a half for return to the home establishment. Owing to an unauthorised instruction, however, a number of airmen were led to believe that this was the practice. Authority has accordingly been given for their cases to receive special consideration if they apply to be returned to the United Kingdom on the dates they had been led to expect.

Sir J. Mellor

What steps is my right hon. Friend taking in order that these airmen shall know their position?

Sir A. Sinclair

I think they do know it. They have been told that they can come home after this time. It is not in accordance with regulations, but if they make the claim, as I said, it will be considered.

Sir J. Mellor

Have not a large number of these airmen been scattered? Will they have an opportunity of knowing what my right hon. Friend has said?

Sir A. Sinclair

Of course they have had the unauthorised instruction. I cannot find them and chase them, for the very reason that my hon. Friend has given—that they are scattered all over the world.