HC Deb 13 February 1939 vol 343 cc1389-90W
Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many complaints have been received from members of the drawing office staff of the Air Ministry Directorate of Works that applications for increments and promotions have not been forwarded to the responsible authorities, despite assurances to the contrary?

Sir K. Wood

As the hon. and gallant Member will be aware, there are recognised channels through which members of the staff are enabled, either individually or through representative bodies, to make representations. I am not aware, however, that any complaints of the nature indicated have been made.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many individuals have been recruited from outside for Grade II of the drawing office staff of the Air Ministry Directorate of Works although Grade III assistants due for promotion have been told no Grade II vacancies existed?

Sir K. Wood

During the last four years 160 assistants from outside the department have been recruited for the drawing office of the Directorate of Works in the Air Ministry at salaries within the Grade II range. It has been necessary in all departments of the Air Ministry to recruit from outside directly into higher grades, in order to obtain staff in sufficient numbers and with the requisite experience to meet the urgent demands of the expansion programme. Under these abnormal conditions, difficulties were inevitable, but every effort has been made to keep in mind the interests of the existing staff of the drawing office. As a result of a recent review a number of promotions from Grade III to Grade II will shortly be made.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Air what length of service in the drawing offices of the Air Ministry Directorate of Works qualifies transfer from temporary to permanent staff; how many members of the temporary staff have served longer than this qualifying period; and for what reason they have not been transferred to the permanent staff?

Sir K. Wood

No officer is entitled to be transferred to the permanent establish- ment on the sole ground of the length of his service. Such transfer depends also upon conduct and efficiency, as well as upon the incidence of vacancies. The second and third parts of the question do not therefore arise.