asked the Secretary of State for Air why commissioned air- gunners may not receive promotion to a rank higher than that of squadron-leader, no matter how long their record of service?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Officer air gunners are eligible for appointment to posts of higher rank than squadron-leader in other fields of employment, and a number do in fact hold the rank of wing-commander at the present time.

What does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean by "other fields of employment"?

Commissioned air gunners may fill posts above squadron-leader in the G.D. operational sphere, and one such officer commands a squadron in Bomber Command with the acting rank of wing-commander. In addition, Bomber Command contemplate filling certain wing-commander posts, when approved, by ex-air gunners and air bombers, after a certain armament course.

Is it not a fact that commissioned air gunners have not the same rights of promotion as other ranks of the same sort?

No, Sir. I have just told the hon. Gentleman that he is under a misapprehension. Air gunners are eligible for appointment to posts of higher rank than squadron-leader in other fields of employment for which their previous service has made them particularly suitable.