HC Deb 26 March 1947 vol 435 cc1217-8
16. Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

asked the Secretary of State for Air if, in view of the fact that many men in the R.A.F. joined for regular service for a settled number of years and are now, owing to the changed economic position of the country, wanting to enter productive industry, facilities can now be re-introduced immediately to enable them to purchase their discharge in accordance with the provisions in K.Rs. and A.C.Is., paragraphs 636–644.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Under the King's Regulations to which my hon. Friend refers, these airmen could only purchase their discharge, if there would be no detriment to the Service. With the present shortage of trained men, however, the R.A.F. would certainly suffer if regular airmen were released before they had served their time. My hon. Friend will be aware that airmen are now released, when that is appropriate, on compassionate grounds, and without payment of any kind. What system should in future be adopted is not under consideration.

Mr. Cooper

Does my right hon. Friend realise that some of these men are technicians, and the requirements of industry being as great as if not greater than those of the Services, will he take this matter into consideration when looking into it?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am aware of that, but unfortunately it is these highly trained people who are in the shortest supply in the Royal Air Force.