§ Mr. GILBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his Department are increasing the number of wireless operators for use on aeroplanes; how many are wanted immediately; what salaries are offered for the position; and what special efforts are being used to obtain the men required?
§ Mr. LEACHSteps are being taken to increase the number of wireless operators in the Royal Air Force to meet the requirements of the new squadrons which are to be formed. For this purpose, and also for providing replacements for personnel transferred to the Reserve, 220 wireless operators are required between now and 1st April, 1925. The daily rate of pay offered is from 3s. 9d. to 5s. 2d., according to the operator's skill, and in addition marriage allowance is admissible for married men over 26 years of age, and free accommodation, food and clothing are provided. Advertisements are inserted periodically in suitable daily and weekly newspapers and close liaison is maintained with civilian wireless schools and shipping companies. When requirements are not met by these means, suitable unskilled men are enlisted in the Royal Air Force for training in these duties.