§ 2. Sir G. Foxasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why R.A.F. personnel arc not allowed to remuster as R.A.F. meteorologists; and how far behind other trades they were on 1st April.
§ Mr. StracheySince the hon. Member put his Question down, we have been able to announce that airmen meteorologists will be up to the general level of release for ground airmen in June. So there is now no special case for remustering to this trade.
§ 16. Sir P. Hannonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is now in a position to expedite release of members of the accounts branch of the R.A. especially in those instances where airmen are preparing to take professional examinations; and if he will assure the House that airmen in the accounts branch of the R.A.F. are still fully employed.
§ Mr. StracheyWe really are doing our best for the accounts trades. But the very great speed-up in general release—which means that Group 37 will be reached by 3oth June instead of Group 28 as originally announced—has put great burdens on this trade. We could not make exceptions for men preparing for examinations. As for the last part of the Question, our main concern at present is not whether the accountants are fully employed but about the long hours many of them are having to work—at some units it has been necessary to introduce a night shift.