Mr. JOYNSON-MICKSasked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry what are the respective wages and billeting allowances of men and women drivers in the transport section of the Royal Naval Air Service?
§ Major BAIRDThe practice in the Royal Naval Air Service was to enter men drivers as air mechanics, 2nd class, at 2s. a day, with the prospect of subsequent advancement up to leading mechanic at 5s. a day. Separation allowances were granted at the ordinary naval rates, together with lodging and provision allowances of 2s. 8d. a day if accommodation and victualling were not provided in kind. Earlier in the War a number of drivers were entered at special higher rates. Women drivers in the Women's Royal Naval Service-received 35s. or 40s. a week inclusive, but if accommodated under Government arrangements 14s. was deducted to cover board, lodging, service, and washing. In the Women's Royal Air Force the rates run 28s. (for probationer) in the first month, and after one month 38s. to 45s. a. week inclusive.