HC Deb 22 January 1958 vol 580 cc1029-30
17. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will make a statement regarding the signal sent to the Royal Air Force units in May, 1957, informing pilots that they could transfer to the Reserve prematurely; and what were the terms upon which these volunteers received their gratuities as compared with those pilots who have been compulsorily declared redundant following the White Paper of September, 1957.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

The signal to which the hon. Member refers was sent on 20th March, 1957, after we had been asked if we could help to relieve the shortage of civil pilots. It invited pilots within three years of the end of their current engagements to apply for employment with the British Overseas Airways Corporation or British European Airways, and offered those who were accepted premature release under the normal rules for voluntary retirements. These rules provide for the award of gratuity proportionate to the officer's service, with a deduction of 25 per cent.

The special terms given to officers whose careers are compulsorily cut short because of the run-down of the forces are set out in Command 231 published on 24th July, 1957—four months after the signal to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. Johnson

As an ex-pilot, does not the Minister think that he has given these fellows a bad deal? Is it not a fact that because they volunteered to help the Minister in his difficulty over manpower they now find that if they had stayed on an extra month or two and been sacked instead of heeding his request they would have got more money than by volunteering? Does not the hon. Gentleman think that a bit harsh?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I am sure the hon. Gentleman and the whole House will agree that when there is a change in conditions one has to set a line. There are always a number of people who fall the wrong side of the line and who feel a grievance. We cannot change that situation and make restrospective compensation payable to people who have accepted another form of exit under previous arrangements.

Mr. Johnson

Can the Minister say why the White Paper was published so late and not in July? It is said in the Service that it could have been published then. People knew the conditions. The White Paper was ready then, but was held back so that more people could volunteer and help the Ministry out of its difficulties.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I think that question ought to be put down to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence who published the White Paper and not to myself.