§ Mr. G. Hutchinsonasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that R.A.F. personnel who have been released against their wishes for industrial work, for which they possess special qualifications, have now been informed that the period of such release will not be counted as service, either for the award of chevrons or for demobilisation, notwithstanding that at the time of such release they were informed that the period of release would count as service towards their current engagement; and if he will review this decision.
§ Sir A. SinclairReleases of R.A.F. personnel to industry are on a voluntary basis. Although the period of release is allowed to count towards an airman's current R.A.F. engagement, service qualifying for priority of release from H.M. Forces is, as stated in the White Paper on Re-allocation of Man-power, whole-time service in the Armed Forces since 3rd September, 1939, which counts for service pay. Similarly, only whole-time service counts for the award of chevrons. These arrangements apply to the three Services and I see no reason for modifying them.