HC Deb 21 January 1953 vol 510 cc195-6
30. Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many National Service pilots have been interviewed by the special selection board with a view to their acceptance for employment as commercial pilots on their release.

Mr. Ward

Four applications have been received from National Service pilots since the pre-selection scheme was extended to them last March. These have been dealt with individually; three have been accepted as cadets; the fourth is still serving. A further 18 National Service pilots have entered civil aviation on direct application to civil companies.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

Could my hon. Friend say whether this scheme has been sufficiently publicised, in view of the small number of applications?

Mr. Ward

Yes, Sir; it has. I have the Air Ministry Order here, and it has been published in the Press.

Mr. Beswick

While there may be disagreement about that information, is it not a fact that the scheme will now lapse, anyhow?

Mr. Ward

That is under consideration.