§ Mr. Jacksonasked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent a policy of dismissing administrative officers who volunteered for service at the outbreak of war and who are now over 40 years of age has been adopted in the R.A.F.; whether these officers are given adequate notice; and what are their pension or gratuity rights.
§ Sir A. SinclairIt is the policy of the Air Ministry to review the position of all officers, irrespective of age, who have ceased to be the most suitable available for their present employment and for whom there is no alternative employment. Such reviews are necessary, first to maintain the greatest efficiency of the Service,1992W and, secondly, to ensure that young and energetic officers do not find their way to advancement blocked by these less efficient and older officers. Non-regular officers, if called on to resign, are given 42 days' notice on full pay and allowances. They are not eligible for pension unless invalided for a disability attributable to the conditions of service. No decision has yet been taken on the general question of war gratuities, which is not a matter for the Air Ministry alone.