§ 2. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Air what the relationship is between the Air Member for Personnel and the newly appointed Air Secretary; and whether he will make a statement on the duties of the Air Secretary.
Mr. WardWithin the framework of personnel policy generally, the Air Secretary will be responsible for matters affecting officers' careers, appointments, and Service affairs of a personal nature. He will be concerned with promotions to squadron leader and above, and with postings within these ranks. Officers will be able to consult him or members of his staff on personal career problems.
On the questions with which he deals, the Air Secretary will have a direct responsibility to the Air Council and direct access to each of its members. He is placed in the department of the Air Member for Personnel to ensure the necessary co-ordination of officers' affairs with officer manning and conditions of service. He will naturally keep the Air Member for Personnel closely in touch with all aspects of his work.
§ Mr. de FreitasWill the Secretary of State tell us whether this is an additional air marshal post or whether another air marshal post in the personnel department has been disestablished?