HC Deb 14 May 1947 vol 437 cc1487-8
29. Mr. Hugh Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for Air, why H.Q. Flying Training Command's order FTC/67462/4/P of 12th February, 1947, has been rescinded; and whether he is aware of the inequity of debasing the release status of U/T and now redundant aircrews to that of A.C.2s.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

The order issued on 12th February by Flying Training Command was unfortunately wrong. By an unhappy confusion, it applied the principles laid down for the release of redundant qualified aircrew to redundant unqualified aircrew cadets. The order was cancelled on 6th March, but I am afraid it had already caused misunderstanding and disappointment, which I much regret. The hon. Member will no doubt recall that shortly after V.E. Day, unqualified aircrew were released from further liability for aircrew training, and were remustered in ground trades. Cadets who were in this category are released from their new trade not according to rank, but on the age and service principle. I hope the hon. Member may agree that this is the fairest plan.