HC Deb 02 April 1947 vol 435 c301W
5. Mr. Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for. Air if he is aware of the delay in demobilisation of wireless mechanics in the R.A.F; and whether it is hoped to accelerate the release of men in this trade soon.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

yes, Sir I regret that the release of wireless mechanics is now five groups behind the general level in the R.A.F. We are training as many new mechanics as we can, but since our shortage in the trade is now more than 30 per cent., I cannot yet hold out the hope of an early improvement in release.

16. Major Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Air why opportunity was not given to radar mechanics stationed in Ceylon to volunteer to act as instructors; and why radar mechanics must be further retarded in release, although already behind other sections, and misemployed owing to redundancy in Ceylon.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

There is a serious shortage of instructors in the Signals trades, including that of radar mechanics, and we are no longer relying on volunteers, but are using all qualified airmen for the purpose. I have asked for a report on what has happened in Ceylon, and I will write to the hon. and gallant Member when it is received. The shortage of instructors is holding up the training of new recruits; it thus delays the release of the radar mechanics now in the R.A.F. Instructions have been issued forbidding the misemployment of airmen in trades in which release has been delayed, if the hon. and gallant Member will let me know of cases of misemployment in Ceylon, I will, of course, gladly look into them.