HC Deb 24 September 1943 vol 392 cc561-2W
Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Secretary of State for Air the average period for which the acting rank of flight lieutenant and acting squadron leader is held by officers in the group, the number of which he has been informed, before the officers are promoted to temporary flight-lieutenants and squadron leaders, respectively; and on what basis promotion to temporary rank is made?

Sir A. Sinclair

Since the outbreak of war, the average period between the grant of acting and temporary rank has been:—

  1. For squadron leaders—8½ months.
  2. For flight lieutenants—10 months.
These averages necessarily take no account of officers who hold the acting rank of squadron leader or flight lieutenant but who have not yet been promoted to the corresponding temporary rank. Promotion to temporary rank is controlled by a Central Selection Board in the Air Ministry and selections are made on the basis of the usual considerations, including seniority, Service record, promotion recommendations and confidential reports.