§ 17. Mr. Donnerasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will now grant the full gratuities for three years' service to that group of airmen who elected to serve under the extended service engagement in accordance with A.M.O. A. 963/46, but who were discharged before 2992 the termination of the above service in accordance with Air Ministry letter A 19119 of December, 1947.
§ Mr. A. HendersonWhile I greatly regret that circumstances made it impossible to complete the aircrew training of these men, I would point out that they were offered the alternative of completing their engagement on ground duties, but with the privileges and pay of aircrew, and thus of earning full gratuity. Proportionate gratuity is paid to those who opt for discharge in accordance with the terms of their contract. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. DonnerIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Air Ministry letter of apology to these men was such as to admit quite clearly the Department's moral obligation to them, and does he now repudiate that moral obligation?
§ Mr. HendersonNo, Sir. It is only fair to say that my Department has sought to meet that moral obligation by offering to these men the same terms of service as were offered when they were taken on as aircrew, and has asked them to opt either to leave or to take other duties.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingDoes that mean that these men who opted to do ground duties also retain their rank in addition to retaining their pay as aircrew?
§ Mr. HendersonYes, Sir. They have exactly the same conditions of service.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingDo they retain their rank?
§ Mr. HendersonI would not like to commit myself to that. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put that Question down. I can say that they have the same conditions of service.