Colonel Millsasked the Secretary of State for Air why Squadron-Leader E. S. Bullen, M.B.E., who had been sentenced to be reprimanded by a general court-martial held on 10th September, 1941, such sentence being duly carried out on or about 21st September, was subsequently placed on the retired list by a letter, No. A.279784/41/S. of C. (i), dated 28th October, 1941; and whether, as this compulsory retirement constitutes a second and more severe punishment for the same offence, contrary to the provisions of Section 54, sub-paragraph 2, of the Air Force Act, it is intended to replace this officer on the active list?
§ Captain BalfourThe answer to the first part of the Question is that this officer was considered by the Air Council to be unsuitable for retention on the active list of the Royal Air Force. As to the second part, the answer is, "No, Sir." The Air Council have power at all times to place an officer on the retired list. There has been no breach of the provisions of Section 54 of the Air Force Act.