HC Deb 22 January 1958 vol 580 cc1027-9
13. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many officers serving in the Education Branch of the Royal Air Force who are now wing commanders or above, will reach retirement age during the next ten years; and how many of them will be in the category permitted to serve until reaching the age of sixty.

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Charles Ian Orr-Ewing)

Thirty-six of these officers are due to retire within the next ten years, including thirty-four who will have reached the age of sixty.

14. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many squadron leaders now serving in the Education Branch of the Royal Air Force are forty-three years of age or older.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

Sixty-four, Sir.

Mr. Johnson

Would not my hon. Friend agree that the figures given to me now and on previous occasions make it clear that very few squadron leaders, if any, over the age of forty-three have any hope of promotion? Is he aware of the very keen sense of injustice throughout the Education Branch and that it may have a disastrous effect on recruiting?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I think that my hon. Friend is misinformed. Up to date, the rate of promotion for squadron leaders and wing commanders has been reasonably satisfactory. We are examining the position because we realise that in the future, with the new shape of the Royal Air Force and its smaller numbers, there may be difficulties in this career. We are examining the matter most closely.

15. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Air if the committee, set up in his Department under the Chairmanship of the Director-General of Manning to consider the Education Branch of the Royal Air Force, and which in 1956 expected to consider the problem of the promotion to wing commander in isolation and in advance of the general study of the branch, has now completed its deliberations; and if he will make a statement about the promotion prospects of squadron leaders in the Education Branch.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

Our study of the measures necessary to preserve a satisfactory rate of promotion beyond squadron leader in this branch has been complicated and delayed by the need to review the requirement in relation to the new size and shape of the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Johnson

Does my hon. Friend recall that as long ago as August, 1956, my right hon. Friend the Member for Flint, West (Mr. Birch), when Secretary of State for Air, told me that he hoped that the problem of promotion to wing commander could be considered in isolation and in advance of the general study? Can he say the reason for the very long delay? The position is extremely unsatisfactory.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

The delay has been brought about by the entirely new defence policy, the abolition of National Service and the entirely new size and shape of the Royal Air Force.

Mr. P. Morris

Will the Under-Secretary of State expedite clarification of this matter in view of the very ambiguous position of many young officers? Having volunteered to devote the whole of their lives to this public service, many now suffer from frustration. If anything can be done to clarify the position quickly the action would be appreciated.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

Yes. It is appreciated that there is uncertainty. My right hon. Friend is pushing on with the investigation. I am sorry that it has been delayed by the change in size of the Royal Air Force.