§ Mr. David Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian employees of Royal Air Force maintenance units are registered as dilutees; how many of these have been doing skilled engineering work for 25 years or more; and what proposals he has for skilled status for these men.
§ Mr. Hattersley:522 civilian employees of Royal Air Force maintenance units are currently registered as dilutees under agreements made with the trade unions. Of these 187 have been engaged on skilled engineering work for the Royal Air Force for 25 years or more. The status of these employees is a matter for negotiation with the trade unions concerned.