§ Mr. Leckieasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether officers joining the Air Service are appointed for a definite minimum period; what is the minimum; and what notice they require to give if and when they wish to resign from active service?
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§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe answer to the first two parts of the question is that short service officers are appointed for an initial period of four years (in some cases three years) but permanent officers are normally retained to complete time for retired pay for periods which vary in accordance with rank and duties; the minimum period qualifying for retired pay is normally 20 years, but voluntary retirement with gratuity may be permitted after 10 years' service. As regards the last part of the question, no period of notice is laid down but applications to resign or retire prematurely are considered on their merits and are approved or refused according to the requirements of the Service.