§ 2. Mr. Collindridgeasked the Secretary of State for War why paratroops who are wounded on active service have deducted 7 the 2s. a day granted especially to them as para-pay or jumping allowance; and whether he will take steps speedily to remedy this injustice to the paratroops which has caused disquiet amongst serving men and the civilian population?
§ Sir J. GriggParachute pay of 2s. a day is granted to the personnel concerned because of their special duties. In common with other forms of additional pay it ceases to be issuable if the individual concerned ceases to perform the duties, whether through wounds or injuries or for other reasons for a period exceeding 21 days. As the reason for its issue is no longer present in such circumstances, its continuance would not be justified.
§ Mr. CollindridgeDoes the right hon. Gentleman feel that this would be likely to stimulate recruiting in those needed sections of our Forces? Further, do we, the right hon. Gentleman in his capacity as Cabinet Minister and servant of the State and myself as Member of Parliament, suffer reduction of pay when we are off duty by reason of sickness? Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this question?
§ Sir J. GriggWe do not get special additions to our pay for performing special duties but a consolidated rate of pay for performing all our duties.
§ Mr. BellengerIs not this case on a par with that of officers who are permitted to hold their temporary rank up to three months if they are wounded, and therefore does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that there is some justification in asking for this matter to be reconsidered?
§ Sir J. GriggThe only difference between the two things is that in one case they have three months and in the other they have 21 days. If the question is whether I will consider the assimilation of the periods, my reply is that I certainly will do so.
§ Mr. GallacherIs not the Minister aware that a Cabinet Minister obtains extra allowance for the job he is doing? If he is ill, is the Cabinet Minister reduced to the ordinary £600?
§ Mr. CollindridgeIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I reluctantly beg to give notice that I will raise this matter at a suitable opportunity.