HC Deb 17 November 1944 vol 404 cc2259-60W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether steps are now being taken to ascertain, unit by unit, how many airmen and members of the W.A.A.F. have positions in civil life to return to; how many are qualifying to enter a profession which may involve a period at a university; how many will desire to avail themselves of the training schemes being initiated by the Ministry of Labour; and whether official information can be given as to prospects and opportunities in the Dominions and Colonies.

Sir A. Sinclair

The answer to the first and second parts of the Question is "Yes, Sir." The information referred to in the third part is not being asked for specifically but will become available as the scheme for educational and vocational training is developed. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given on 3rd October and 18th October last in reply to Questions by the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. J. Brown) and the hon. and gallant Member for Leicester, East (Colonel Lyons), copies of which I am sending the hon. Baronet.

Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether W.A.A.F. officers serving in the U.S.A., in Canada and the Middle East, are being paid in all ranks two-thirds of R.A.F. pay, as in the U.K., and full allowances, with the exception of batmen.

Sir A. Sinclair

In general, Yes, Sir. The rates of inclusive allowance, known as mission allowance, issuable to W.A.A.F. officers serving in Canada and U.S.A. are, however, slightly lower than the R.A.F. rates.

Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Air if W.A.A.F. officers serving in India and S.E.A.C. will be paid on a basis which will maintain the two-thirds of R.A.F. pay and equal allowances except batmen, which is the present arrangement in the U.K.

Sir A. Sinclair

I regret that I cannot, at the moment, add to the answer which I gave my hon. Friend to her Question of 11th October.

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