HC Deb 22 October 1941 vol 374 cc1793-4W
Mr. Messer

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the Air Council is anxious to see civilian instructors in uniform; whether strong pressure is being brought to bear on them to agree; and how much each such instructor will cost the State for uniform compared to the cost for the same instructor in civilian clothes?

Sir A. Sinclair

As explained in the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge (Mr. R. Morgan) on 16th October, civilian instructors were invited to enlist in the Royal Air Force because Service status would enhance their value to the training organisation. No pressure is placed on instructors to enlist and it has been made clear that those who do not desire to do so may continue to serve as civilians. Many of those enlisting are entitled to have their Service pay, if it is less than their civil pay, made up to the amount of the latter. For others, Service pay will be higher than civil pay. It follows that the instructors cost more on a Service basis than on a civilian basis—the average increase is estimated at about 26s. a week per head—but this increase is more than offset by economies which the grant of Service status makes possible in other directions.

Mr. Banfield

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Government Minor and Manipulative Grades Association, which is the recognised association embracing civilian instructors, has been consulted in respect of the organised official campaign on the part of the Air Council to persuade such instructors to join the Royal Air Force even though they are either reserved or over military age; and whether he can make a statement on the subject?

Sir A. Sinclair

The Government Minor and Manipulative Grades Association were informed in February last that a scheme for inviting civilian instructors to enlist was under consideration. Later, two months before invitations were issued, they were notified that the scheme had been adopted. As for the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I have given to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for South Tottenham (Mr. Messer).