HC Deb 15 November 1950 vol 480 c1712
45. Mr. Black

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will consider bringing proposals before Parliament whereby National Service men engaged in areas of active service will receive similar pay and allowances to Regular members of His Majesty's Forces.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Shinwell)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Solihull (Mr. M. Lindsay) on 19th September.

Mr. Black

Will the right hon. Gentleman not take into consideration the fact that there is a strong feeling amongst Service personnel and the general public that equal risks and equal service should carry equal pay and equal allowances?

Mr. Shinwell

All relevant considerations were taken into account when this matter was decided, and I think there was some discussion in the House.

Captain Ryder

Are we not to assume that when a man is sent to an area on active service he is regarded as being a trained and qualified fighting man? Ought he not, therefore, to receive a trained man's rates of pay?

Mr. Shinwell

That is not the only factor that has to be considered.