§ 21. Mr. Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for War what is the difference in pay between a private soldier of the Regular Army and a National Service man serving in Korea.
§ Mr. StracheyThe pay of a National Service private soldier anywhere depends upon his qualifications and his length of service. If he has served for 18 months or more he is paid at the same rate as a Regular soldier with the same qualifications. If his period of service is shorter he receives a lower rate, generally 3s. a day less. Details of the rates are shown in Army Estimates, 1951–52, pages 184 and 185.
§ Mr. ShepherdHow can the right hon. Gentleman defend in principle paying a private soldier of one class a lower rate of pay than the private soldier of another class who is doing exactly the same job and facing exactly the same dangers?
§ Mr. StracheyThis question was argued out at great length, and I think that the House, as a whole, took the view that it was reasonable to pay a man who made the Service a life career at a higher rate than the National Service man during the 18 months of his service.