§ LORD TWEEDSMUIRMy Lords, in the absence of my noble friend Lord Barnby, I beg to ask the question appearing on the Paper in his name.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government how many Cranwell Cadets were made prisoners during the recent war; and what is the procedure now being followed with regard to their promotion, which for that reason has been retarded.]
§ LORD HENDERSONMy Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Stansgate, I beg to reply. Forty-two ex-Cranwell cadets became prisoners of war and three were interned. The eligibility for promotion of all officers who were prisoners of war is specially examined on their return to Royal Air Force duty. Promotion is granted to officers found suitable after a short trial period of service. Seniority is ante-dated to restore them to their former relative position in the gradation list.