HC Deb 27 February 1964 vol 690 cc602-3
4. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for Air why he is requiring civilian air traffic controllers to join the Royal Air Force or lose their jobs.

Mr. H. Fraser

About 80 civilians are employed on behalf of the United States Air Force for air traffic control duties at American bases in this country. They were recruited on a temporary basis specifically for this purpose. Because of a reduction in the number of U.S.A.F. bases, about 24 will be redundant by the end of June. I am not responsible, of course, for this reduction in the requirements of the U.S.A.F.

Since, however, many of these 80 controllers are potentially suitable for commissioning as air traffic controllers in the Royal Air Force, where there are vacancies, all have been invited to apply. Some 40 have already made enquiries.

Mr. Lipton

Does it not look a little like conscription by back-door methods to say to these men, who have done useful work in the past, "Join up, or be sacked"? Does the right hon. Gentleman agree, first, that there is a shortage of air traffic controllers and, secondly, that in the new national air traffic control organisation, which looks after civilian and Service aircraft, there is room for this kind of qualified person, who really should not be thrown on the scrap heap?

Mr. Fraser

I have made very special offers and terms for these people. All their training has been looked at, and if they come into the Royal Air Force they will be given seniority based on the work they have already done. Those young enough can compete for establishment in the Ministry of Aviation. As I have already said, some 40 of them have put in inquiries.

Mr. Rankin

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the air traffic controller, acting in the civilian capacity, has for long been dissatisfied with his salary position? Will that state of things be cured if these men are conscripted into the Royal Air Force, and what effect does he think that will have on civilians?

Mr. Fraser

There is no question of conscripting anyone into the Royal Air Force. These men are on short-term contract. We have made them an offer. If they want to come into the R.A.F. we shall be happy to have them, and training and skill will be taken into consideration as to seniority.