HC Deb 05 November 1947 vol 443 cc1804-5
5. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Air the rates of pay and allowances of flight sergeants, flight lieutenants and wing commanders after tax has been deducted prior to 30th June, 1946, and also under the new rates.

Mr. A. Henderson

I understand that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to pay and allowances under the old rates, which came to an end on 30th June, 1946, and under the present rates. As a comparison between these rates involves a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Air-Commodore Harvey

While I appreciate that the figures will be published, is it not a fact that these men are now worse off than they were before, and how do the Government expect to get recruiting under way when the men are getting less pay, and there is an increased cost of living? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman look into that further with the other Ministers?

Mr. Henderson

I prefer that the hon. and gallant Gentleman should study the table I am publishing, and then draw attention to any point of fact which would substantiate his point of view.

Following is the statement:

The first of the following tables shows annual pay and allowances and Income Tax deductions under the rates applicable up to 30th June, 1946, and under the present rates. It is assumed that the

Table 1
— 30TH JUNE, 1946. AT PRESENT.
Annual Gross Pay and Allowances. Income Tax Liability Net Emoluments. Annual Gross Pay and Allowances. Income Tax Liability. Net Emoluments.
Pay. (1) Allnees. (1946/47 rates). Pay. (2) Allnces. (1947/48 rates).
Wing Commander (General Duties Branch). £660 £289 £118 £831 £867 £332 £282 £917
Flight Lieut. (G.D. Branch). £397 £243 £21 £619 £420 (3) £286+91 (3) £99 + 34 £607 + 57=£664
Flight Sergeant (Group A—highest skilled 1 tradesman). £228 £157 Nil. £385 £265 (3) £168 + 18 (3) £14+4 £419+14=£433
NOTES:
(1) Not liable to tax.
(2) Includes marriage allowance (taxable) and ration allowance (non-taxable).
(3) Additional marriage allowance is issuable in 1947/48 to certain officers and airmen who were receiving family allowances at a prescribed rate under the old pay code. This additional allowance. which is taxable, will be reduced in the years 1948/49 and 1949/50, and will terminate on 1st April, 1950.