asked the Minister of Supply what are the rates of pay for test pilots employed by his Department; and why they compare unfavourably with those in the employ of aircraft manufacturers.

The rates of pay for civilian test pilots employed by my Department are:—Chief Test Pilot £1,200; Test Pilot £900×25—£1,000. The rates of pay of test pilots employed by the aircraft manufacturers are not strictly comparable owing to the differences in the work and the responsibilities involved.