§ Mr. RAPERasked the Secretary of State for Air who is the officer in charge at No. 1 Stores Department, Kidbrooke; whether this officer has seen any overseas or combatant service; upon what 1562W grounds he was granted a permanent commission; and whether complaints have been made by ex-service men under his control of his unsympathetic attitude towards their claims?
Captain GUESTThe officer in question, is Wing Commander Malcolm Spicer. He has had 3½ years' overseas service, of which 2¾ years' service was in France during the War. I am not prepared to state the grounds upon which the grant of a commission was recommended to and approved by His Majesty. Certain employés who were unavoidably discharged have represented their grievances, but no direct complaint has been made as to the officer being unsympathetic to ex-service men, who constitute, in fact, practically the entire staff at Kidbrooke, and I am satisfied that no ground for any such complaint exists.
§ Mr. RAPERasked the Secretary of State for Air whether a Colonel J. Waley Cohen, employed in a civilian post in his Department, is possessed of private income and an estate; and whether, in view of the pending discharge of large numbers of technical ex-service men with no means, this gentleman's appointment will be terminated in accordance with the recommendation of the Lytton Report?
Captain GUESTI am aware, that Colonel Cohen has private means, but, in view of the very responsible nature of his duties, for which his previous training in the Army and Air Force render him peculiarly fitted, his case is regarded as falling under the last part of paragraph 14 (1) of the Lytton Report.
§ Mr. RAPERasked the Secretary of State for Air whether a non-service man, Mr. Wolbrom, is retained under Clause (a), pivotal, or Clause (b), hardship, of paragraph 9 of the Lytton Report; if under Clause (a) what are the special qualifications which render him pivotal; whether any efforts have been made to secure an ex-service man with similar qualifications; and what is the salary paid to this gentleman?
Captain GUESTIf Mr. Wolbrom's services were dispensed with, the post he occupies, which forms part of the permanent establishment, would not be filled by a temporary ex-service man but by a permanent civil servant. In regard to this post I have taken into account the 1563W considerations I referred to in the answer I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for the Royton division of Lancashire, on the 9th instant, and it is on the basis there explained that Mr. Wolbrom is retained. His salary is £510 plus an allowance of £100.