Squadron-Leader E. Robertsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the grounds on which a lower rate of aircrew pay is given to signallers, gunners and engineers than to pilots and navigators under Post-War Code of Pay, Cmd. 6715; and, since the role of each of these members of aircrews is equally important, if he will arrange for equal remuneration for all of them.
§ Mr. StracheyThe rates of pay for pilots and navigators on the one hand and the new categories of signaller, engineer and gunner on the other have been determined after careful consideration of their relative responsibilities. Regard has also been paid in fixing the relative rates of pay and the special rates of gratuity and pension which will apply to pilots and navigators only, to the fact that pilots and navigators must look to aircrew employment for their future and that, unless selected for commissions, they will not have such a long career in the Service; while the new categories of signaller, engineer and gunner, who will be recruited from Group A tradesmen, will revert to their trade after a period of aircrew employment and will be eligible to be con sidered for re-engagement for long service in their trade.