HC Deb 07 March 1951 vol 485 c433
47. Mr. H. A. Price

asked the Minister of Defence whether members of His Majesty's Forces who are retained beyond the period of their enlistment and who qualify for a bounty at the end of that period, will receive a proportionate in crease in their bounty.

Mr. Shinwell

I assume that the Question relates to officers and men of the Forces who have completed short-term engagements; the answer is, "No, Sir."

Mr. Price

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that his decision is equivalent to a reduction of pay of about 10s. per week for other ranks, and does he not feel that that will affect readiness to enlist and the spirit in which men serve after enlistment?

Mr. Shinwell

I cannot see that there has been any reduction in pay.

Brigadier Clarke

May we have an assurance that all those men who are due for a bounty in the three Services, and who have been retained beyond their time, will now receive it?

Mr. Shinwell

Those who are entitled to bounty will, of course, receive it.