W.A.A.F.

HC Deb 17 November 1948 vol 458 cc338-41

3. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will make a statement regarding proposed increases of pay and allowances for the W.A.A.F.

Mr. A. Henderson

Proposals affecting all three permanent women's Forces are being considered, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence will make a statement as soon as possible.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman impress upon his colleagues that many of the W.A.A.F. personnel are getting less than two-thirds of what the men are getting for the same work, and that it is impossible for them to live on what they are being paid? Will he impress that on his colleagues?

Mr. Henderson

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that I am well aware of that position.

5. Mr. Cobb

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will permit all W.A.A.F. officers, up to and including the rank of section officer, to augment their income by civilian part-time work during off-duty hours; and whether he will provide special training courses to that end at fees within the reach of their income.

Mr. A. Henderson

Under existing regulations an officer or airman may accept casual civil employment if he or she obtains permission, which would not normally be withheld unless Service interests required it. Training courses to assist W.A.A.F. personnel to prepare for occupations in civil life are already available free as part of the General Education Scheme of the R.A.F.

Mr. Cobb

Would my right hon. and learned Friend see that this is brought more to the attention of these people, because, otherwise, he has to demonstrate to this House and to the country how these officers can lead a full and dignified life on 61s. 10d. a week?

Mr. Henderson

All these facilities have been published in Air Ministry Orders, and it is expected that personnel will take the opportunity of reading them.

6. Mr. Cobb

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many W.A.A.F. officers have replaced R.A.F. officers since 1st January, 1948; what has been the saving in pay as a result; and if he is satisfied that the standard of work has been maintained.

Mr. A. Henderson

Since 1st January, 1948, the number of of W.A.A.F. officers employed in posts which can be filled either by W.A.A.F. or by R.A.F. officers has been constant at about 300. The difference in pay amounts to about £130 a day. I am satisfied that the standard of work has been maintained.

Mr. Cobb

Would not my right hon. and learned Friend admit that there is a very considerable saving here? Ought he not to look into the question of equalising the pay of these women? Does not he think it would be deplorable if, when the pay and conditions of other junior officers are looked at, the pay of these people should be overlooked?

Mr. Henderson

One must not assume that the pay and allowances of officers is being looked at and that the pay and allowances of W.A.A.F. officers is not being looked at. As regards the general principle of equal pay for equal work, that is a matter of Government policy, and not a Departmental matter.

Mrs. Leah Manning

Is not this a case in which my right hon. and learned Friend can bring some pressure to bear upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer to change Government policy in respect of equal pay for equal work, in the case of women doing exactly the same work as men?

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is it not a fact that if these women were represented by a trade union the union would look upon these conditions as those of sweated labour?

7. Mr. Cobb

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many assistant section officers are employed in the W.A.A.F.; what is the average distance at which they are stationed from their homes; and how many free railway warrants are granted per annum.

Mr. A. Henderson

Fourteen. They are stationed at an average distance of about 150 miles from their homes. They receive three free railway warrants a year.

Mr. Cobb

Would my right hon. and learned Friend say how these junior officers, out of 61s. 10d. a week, after paying for their meals and other expenses, can afford railway tickets to go home when they get their monthly leave each month?

Mr. Henderson

I think my hon. Friend is not quite right in his statement. The figure he has mentioned is that of the basic pay of an officer, and is exclusive of ration and other allowances.

Mr. Cobb

Is not my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this 61s. 10d. is inclusive of all allowances? Is he aware that out of the 61s. 10d. they have to pay their mess bills and for their uniforms, and that when they have done that, they have mere pocket money left, and no money with which to pay for railway journeys when they get their monthly leave?

Mr. Henderson

They are in exactly the same position as that of all other ranks who also receive three free railway warrants each year.