§ 1. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Air how many arts graduates in the Education Branch of the Royal Air Force were promoted to the rank of wing commander on or after 1st January, 1959.
§ The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Julian Amery)Six squadron leaders with degrees in arts have been promoted since 1st January, 1959.
§ Mr. JohnsonWhile I congratulate my right hon. Friend on a rate of promotion six times greater than the total for the previous eight years, may I ask if he thinks that offers a satisfactory career for highly qualified candidates?
§ Mr. AmeryWhen the new careers structure was introduced in 1959, the officers concerned had an opportunity to reduce their retiring age from 53 to 48 or to elect to retire after 20 years' service. The majority of them decided to go on until the age of 53.
§ 2. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Air how many arts graduates holding the rank of squadron leader in the Education Branch of the Royal Air Force have less than ten years to serve before retirement; and what are their prospects of promotion.
§ Mr. AmeryForty squadron leaders with degrees in arts subjects are due to retire within the next ten years. Our plans for these non-specialist graduates allow for a steady flow of promotions, 356 but individual promotion prospects will naturally vary with ability.
§ Mr. JohnsonMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he thinks that that Answer is fully in accord with the Answer given to me by the Under-Secretary of State on 3rd August, 1959, when he wrote to me and told me that the prospects of promotion to the rank of wing commander for these officers were good, provided they came up to the required standard?