HC Deb 23 April 1947 vol 436 cc1029-30
47. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Defence, when he will raise the pay of the three Services to compensate for the extinction of their cheap tobacco and cigarettes concession.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

No increase of pay on this account is intended. The discontinuance of special concessions of this type was contemplated when the postwar rates of pay were fixed, as stated in paragraph 20 of the White Paper on the Postwar Pay Code (Cmd. 6715).

Mr. Erroll

Does the Minister realise that the extinction of this concession does mean a very real hardship to the Services?

Mr. Alexander

If I might quote the relevant words of the White Paper: It follows from the institution of emoluments which are broadly comparable with industrial wages that it will not be necessary to continue the various measures which have been taken, under war conditions, to relieve the serving man of expenses to which the civilian is normally liable.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Will the Minister bear in mind that the members of H.M. Forces will be proud to make their contribution to the national need?

Mr. Douglas Marshall

Will the Minister press his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reconsider this matter before the Committee stage of the Finance Bill?

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