§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for War and Air 2274W whether ex-warrant officers who obtain commissions in the Royal Air Force as pilot officers were refused an addition to their pay when the new rates were issued on the 1st August, 1919; whether these officers were detained pending instructions as to pensions, and all the time received only the old rate of pay and allowances, while new officers doing the same work received the new rates of pay; and, if so, whether he will see that the difference in pay is made up to these officers?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLHitherto the rule has been that the new rates of pay are not issuable to officers holding temporary commissions in the Royal Air Force, and this rule has been applicable to some ex-warrant officers. The whole question of the retention of the old rates has been under consideration, however, and it has been decided that officers now being paid at those rates may have the option of coming under the new scheme of pay and allowances with effect as from the 1st January, 1920. Orders stating the rates and conditions are in course of promulgation. All ex-warant officers, therefore, are now allowed the option of coming on to the new scales of pay and allowances if they so desire.