§ 23. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for Air why non-commissioned ranks, returning to this country from training courses in Canada, are granted substantially shorter periods of disembarkation leave than officers who have been on the same courses.
§ Sir A. SinclairOfficers and airmen returning to this country from training in Canada are eligible for the same period of disembarkation leave. Owing to accommodation difficulties however, it is occasionally necessary, particularly in the case of officers, to allow an additional leave period.
§ Mr. DribergIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a dozen sergeants at one station have recently had 19 days' embarkation leave, while officers who were on precisely the same course have had 28 days and that this is not an isolated instance?
§ Sir A. SinclairI can quite understand that it is not an isolated instance, but I can assure my hon. Friend that there is no question of differentiation in favour of officers.