HC Deb 27 February 1946 vol 419 cc1889-91
4. Mr. J. Langford-Holt

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what amount of flying pay is paid to members of the Naval Air Arm; and how this compares with the equivalent allowance in the R.A.F.

Mr. Alexander

As the answer to this Question is long and detailed, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Officers of the General Duties Branch of the Royal Air Force do not receive flying pay as a separate allowance, but are paid inclusive rates of full pay. Naval officer pilots and observers receive flying pay at rates which, when added to full pay, give approximately the equivalent of the full pay of R.A.F. general duties branch officers of relative rank. The rates of Naval flying pay are 3s. 4d. a day for midshipmen and acting sublieutenants, 5s. od. a day for lieutenants and lieutenant-commanders, and 3s.od. a day for commanders.

There is no separate flying pay for rating aircrews in the Royal Navy. All airman air crew personnel and naval rating pilots and observers receive consolidated rates of pay. The basic rates payable to P.O. and C.P.O. pilots and observers in the Naval Air Arm are identical with those payable to sergeant and flight-sergeant pilots and navigators in the R.A.F., the rates being 13s. 6d. a day for petty officers and sergeants, and 16s. od. a day for chief petty officers and flight-sergeants. Telegraphist air gunners in the Royal Navy receive a combined qualification and flying pay in addition to substantive pay at rates varying from 3s. 3d. to 4s. 3d. a day, according to qualification. There is no comparable rank in the R.A.F.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, so far as I know, the overall pay of the Fleet Air Arm is on the average between is. and 6d. less per day than the equivalent in the Royal Air Force; and would he agree that it is to the advantage of the Fleet Air Arm to cut out this difference as soon as possible?

Mr. Alexander

There is no actual flying pay in the Royal Air Force, but I think that, broadly speaking, when the special flying pay of the Fleet Air Arm and the ordinary pay is added together. there is not very much difference. But if I find that there are any particular inequalities I will look into them.