§ 47 Mr. Edenasked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to make a statement regarding pay and other conditions in the postwar Forces.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)Yes, Sir. The Government have now completed a review of the whole code of pay, allowances and Service pensions for ratings and other ranks, primarily with a view to making suitable arrangements for regular entrants to the postwar Forces. The Government's decisions are embodied in a White Paper which is available in the Vote Office this afternoon. A correspondingly comprehensive review of the codes for officers of all three Services is in progress and the new arrangements for officers will be the subject of a further announcement in due course.
§ Mr. EdenWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that statement, may I point out that we have not yet seen it, and I understand that it may be that we would like an opportunity of discussing it when we have studied it?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, I am sure that is so. It is a long and very detailed document and I think the right hon. Gentleman will realise that the general principles involved are fairly clear.
§ Captain BlackburnWhile thanking the Prime Minister for the document, may I ask him whether he will give urgent attention to the matter with a view to a further speeding-up of demobilisation by the quickest possible announcement of special terms of service for those willing to take on for a short-term period—for three or five years?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat question does not arise now.