HC Deb 30 May 1956 vol 553 cc210-1
2 Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) how many wing commanders and above, now serving in the Royal Air Force education branch, could still be serving in twelve years' time; and how many vacancies in those ranks there are likely to be available during that period for those who are now squadron leaders;

(2) how many squadron leaders in the education branch of the Royal Air Force aged between 37 and 43 years and who were recruited between 1947 and 1950 and attained the rank of squadron leader between 1950 and 1954, will have to retire at the maximum age of 53 years without further promotion;

(3) what steps are being taken to inform squadron leaders of the education branch of the Royal Air Force that they have little prospect of promotion; and what facilities are being afforded to them for early retirement to pursue their careers elsewhere.

Mr. Birch

Eighteen wing commanders and above in the Royal Air Force education branch could be serving in twelve years' time, and if establishments and other factors affecting promotion prospects remained unchanged there would be 36 wing commander vacancies during that period. Up to now we have been able to maintain a reasonable rate of promotions from squadron leader in the branch, and we are considering what can be done to preserve this position.

Mr. Johnson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of these officers with the very highest qualifications were greatly misled when they joined this Service? They were told that the prospects of promotion to wing commander were statistically 50–50, and actually greater than that. They are now greatly disappointed and very disgruntled at finding that they will be there for another eleven years without having any hope whatsoever of promotion.

Mr. Birch

I cannot accept my hon. Friend's contention that these officers were misled. He will realise that promotion to wing commander is by appointment and by no means all the officers of the Royal Air Force, or the equivalents in the other Services, reach that rank.

Mr. Johnson

Does my right hon. Friend realise that he is mistaken in making that statement? These officers were misled. I have definite evidence to that effect. They were told that their prospects of promotion were very good, but they now find that they are virtually non-existent.

Mr. Birch

I shall be very happy to go into that point with my hon. Friend if he likes to see me about it.