§ Mr. T. Fraserasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if the trade, air traffic control assistant, in the Royal Air Force has now been declared redundant; and why air traffic control assistants, whose regular engagements are due to expire at an early date, are required to serve an additional 12 months while other tradesmen, whose trades involve longer periods of training, are required to serve an additional six months.
Mr. WardThe trade of air traffic control assistant does not form part of the164W new trade structure of the Royal Air Force, but it is necessary to employ air traffic control assistants on their old duties until enough airmen have been trained in the duties of the corresponding new trades of aerodrome traffic controller, operations clerk and aerodrome fireman.
The period for which regular air traffic control assistants are to be retained beyond their normal date of discharge is at the moment under review.