HC Deb 15 October 1946 vol 427 cc766-7
13. Mr. Rees-Williams

asked the Secretary of State for War what reason there is for the discrepancy in the rates of pay as between officers in the R.A.V.C. and officers in the R.A.M.C.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Bellenger)

The responsibilities of officers of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps are not of so wide a character as those of medical officers, and the new scales of pay reflect this difference of responsibilities.

Mr. Rees-Williams

As the Secretary of State for War has eliminated the difference between rates of pay in respect of Army trades, why does not he do the same thing in respect of Army professions?

Mr. Bellenger

The answer is not so easy as the supplementary question implies. It is not a matter entirely for the Army.

Sir Waldron Smithers

The closed shop.

Mr. Bellenger

It is a matter for all Service Departments, and there is some civilian guidance on this point. I can assure my hon. Friend that our procedure is in accordance with civilian work.

Mr. York

Would not the War Office give a lead to the Government upon this matter so that in future we may have some steps taken which are very necessary but which are now lacking?

Mr. Bellenger

I do not think it wise to give a lead to anybody, if to do so might create an undesirable precedent.

Sir Ronald Ross

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the veterinary's job is much more difficult than that of the R.A.M.C. as he gets far less help from his patients?

Mr. Bellenger

I, of course, have no practical experience of this matter, and therefore I have to be advised by those who know.