asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that sergeant pilots in the Air Corps were awarded sergeant's pay plus 5/- per day flying pay when qualified as pilots and that when a rise in pay was granted to all ranks in the Defence Forces in September, 1946, the increase to sergeant pilots was left in abeyance until November, 1948, when he granted them the regulation pay of sergeant (8/6 per day), whether he then reduced their flying pay from 5/- to 3/- per day retrospective to 1946; and, if so, whether the Minister will now take steps to restore the 2/- per day deducted from these sergeants during that period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pay of Air Corps Sergeant Pilots.
I am aware that the increase of 3/- a day in regimental pay, coupled with a decrease of 2/- a day in flying pay, was not introduced in the case of sergeant pilots in the Air Corps until 11th November, 1948, to take effect as from the 1st September, 1946. There are now no longer any sergeant pilots on permanent service with the Air Corps and I do not propose to take any further action in the matter of flying pay.
Were they in service during the period mentioned — 1946 to 1948?
I stated in reply to the Deputy that the rate of pay was not decided until the 11th November, 1948. It then applied back to a date in 1946. I think, although I do not want to be taken as speaking accurately, that there were two in service in November, 1948.
Their flying pay was reduced.
But they actually got an increase in their gross pay.
They were waiting for it for two years.