HC Deb 12 July 1944 vol 401 cc1717-9
13. Flight-Lieutenant Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that certain officers over 49 years of age have recently appeared before a board and been informed that they will shortly have to leave the R.A.F.; whether he will state before they leave the R.A.F. what bonus or gratuity will be given to R.A.F. officers after the war and what percentage of such bonus or gratuity these officers will be granted; and whether the 42 days' full pay and allowances to be allowed them refers to their acting or temporary rank.

The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair)

I am informed that at one group in the command concerned, a group board warned certain officers that owing to a probable reduction in establishments, their posts might become redundant. The answer to the second part of the Question is that the issue of war gratuities is a matter affecting all three Fighting Services, upon which no decision has yet been taken. As for the last part, an officer on notice leave receives pay and allowances appropriate to his temporary rank; if he remains on duty at his unit while under notice, he receives the pay and allowances appropriate to any acting rank which he may hold.

Flight-Lieutenant Teeling

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, on the second part of the Question, the Canadian Government have already announced what they are going to give to their Service officers, and this has already been told on several stations? Our own officers are extremely anxious to know what decision will be reached, and, where it is possible, could it be made before these other officers are asked to leave?

Sir A. Sinclair

That is a matter affecting all three Services, and for the decision of the Government.

Lieut.-Colonel Dower

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in practice, the 42 days' pay is nearly always taken up entirely in paying off arrears of tax owed by the officers, and they find themselves extremely hard up?

Sir A. Sinclair

That is, of course, quite a different question.

Sir Irving Albery

When officers of middle age leave the Service, are any steps taken to continue them in some useful employment?

Sir A. Sinclair

That is, of course, again quite a different question, but I can assure my hon. Friend that every effort is made.