§ 115. Mr. Collinsasked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that redundant aircrew, warrant officers and flight-sergeants, with operational experience, have been reduced to the rank of sergeant; and why this action has been taken with non-commissioned officers, whilst no corresponding change has been made with commissioned ranks, who have become similarly redundant.
§ Mr. de FreitasIt was an essential feature of the postwar code announced in Command 6715 that new aircrew ranks would be introduced. As I explained in reply to a Question on 1st August by my hon. Friend the Member for Bilston (Mr. Nally), once the new ranks had been introduced on 1st July for men employed on aircrew duties, it would have been impracticable for aircrew who had been declared redundant to retain higher temporary ranks. So far as officers are concerned, the periods required before time promotion to flying officer and flight-lieutenant have already been extended and acting rank is being withdrawn as establishments contract.