Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the serious discontent that exists among sergeant wireless-operators and air-gunners owing to the differences in pay, 9s. against 13s. 6d., paid to pilots, bomb-aimers and navigators; and whether anything can be done by his Department to pay these men something like equal rates?
§ Sir A. SinclairThe rates of pay of the various categories of non-commissioned aircrew vary according to qualifications and responsibilities. The position of wireless operators (air-gunner) and air-gunners has recently been the subject of review, as a result of which the former are now eligible for an additional shilling a day if they possess certain additional qualifications. Wireless operators (air-gunner) in the rank of sergeant now receive 9s., 10s. and us. a day according to qualifications. Moreover, the rules governing promotion both of wireless operators (air-gunner) and of air-gunners have recently been revised so as to allow of promotion to the rank of warrant officer. All things considered, the rates of pay and conditions of service as thus improved are, I think, equitable compared with those of other categories of aircrew.