HC Deb 21 November 1956 vol 560 c1720
9. Mr. Hayman

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many officers and other ranks, respectively, have purchased their discharges in each of the last five years to the latest convenient date.

Mr. Soames

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Hayman

Can the hon. Gentleman give one figure for one year so that we may compare the conditions in the Air Force with those of the Army, the figures for which were given yesterday?

Mr. Soames

Certainly. For airmen the figures are: in 1952, 563; 1953, 677; 1954, 1,134; 1955, 1,269; and 1956, 926.

Following are the figures:

1952 1953 1954 1955 1956
Officers permitted to leave the Service before completing their full period on the active list
R.A.F. 80 105 128 191 145
W.R.A.F. 51 40 75 70 49
Airmen and airwomen discharged by purchase
R.A.F. 563 677 1134 1269 926
W.R.A.F. 321 256 149 246 117

NOTE

(1) 242 of the W.R.A.F. officers left the Service on marriage.

(2) 2168 of the airmen, and 428 of the airwomen, were allowed to take their discharge for compassionate reasons, and the purchase price was either reduced or waived.

(3) The figures for 1952 and 1953 reflect the restrictions which were placed on voluntary exits during the Korean war.