HC Deb 18 December 1957 vol 580 c61W
33. Mr. Baird

asked the Secretary of State for Air what compensation is being offered by Eagle Aviation to the next of kin of the Royal Air Force personnel who lost their lives in the air crash at Blackbushe last May.

Mr. Ward

No Royal Air Force personnel lost their lives in this accident. Compensation is in any case essentially a matter between the company and claimants.

Type of Commission Group Captain and above Wing Commander Squadron Leader Flight Lieutenant and below Total
Permanent … … 13 (13) 38 (35) 126 (22) 76 253 (70)
Temporary … … — 4 (4) 4 (4) — 8 (8)
Short Service … … — — 14 608 622
Total "regular" … … 13 (13) 42 (39) 144 (26) 684 883 (78)
National Service … … — — — 175 175
13 (13) 42 (39) 144 (26) 859 1,058 (78)
NOTE.—The figures in brackets represent the numbers (included in the preceding figures) of officer, eligible to serve to the age of 60.

35. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many officers of the rank of squadron leader, serving in the Education Branch of the Royal Air Force, were promoted to wing commander in the years 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1957, respectively; and how many of these were serving on engagements under which they could continue to serve until 60 years of age.

Mr. Ward

Two in 1954; five in 1955; four in 1956; and eight in 1957. With the exception of two officers promoted in 1957, all are eligible to serve to the age of 60.

36. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many officers were granted permanent commissions in the Education Branch of the Royal Air Force during the years 1955, 1956, and to the latest available date in 1957, respectively; how many in that branch have volunteered for premature retirement under the terms of Command Paper No. 231/1957; what were their respective ranks; and in how many cases were their requests granted.