§ 15. Squadron Leader Sir Gifford Foxasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will state the approximate number of ex-warrant officers commissioned who have reached the ranks air vice-marshal, air-commodore, group-captain, wing-commander and squadron-leader, respectively.
§ Mr. StracheyTo produce this information would mean at least three days' diversion of men and machines in the statistical section, which is at present working all out on the release scheme. Perhaps the hon. Member would put down his Question again when this special pressure of work is over
§ Sir G. FoxIs the Under-Secretary aware that the pensions of these promoted ex-warrant officers is a matter of great concern to them, and will he have an inquiry made into their conditions of pension when they are released?
§ Mr. StracheyI think I know what the hon. and gallant Gentleman has in mind, and I have asked him to communicate with me on the subject.
§ 16. Sir G. Foxasked the Undersecretary of State for Air the number of airmen commissioned on or before 3rd September 1939 and of warrant officers commissioned before 3rd September 1939, who are at present in the service, at the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. StracheyOne hundred and forty-one ex-airmen and 483 ex-warrant officers who were commissioned on or before 3rd September, 1939, were serving in the Royal Air Force on 1st November, 1945.
§ 19. Sir G. Foxasked the Undersecretary of State for Air, if he will state the estimated cost of increasing the retired pay of ex-warrant officers promoted to commissioned rank to that of direct-entry officers.
§ Mr. StracheyWe cannot give any useful estimate at present, while decisions have still to be taken on the future conditions of service, including pensions, of the Regular Armed Forces. Comparative figures under the old system are not 421 readily available, and in these circumstances I do not think I can add to the information I gave to the hon. and gallant Member in my reply of 7th November.