Local Overseas Allowance

HC Deb 13 March 1951 vol 485 cc1271-4

9. Mr. Low

asked the Secretary of State for War why, in view of the fact that Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' prices in Korea are fixed on the same basis as those in Hong Kong, the same local overseas allowance is not paid to those serving in Korea as to those stationed in Hong Kong.

17. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will grant an additional 5s. a day Korea allowance for all troops fighting in Korea.

21 and 22. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) if, in view of the assurances contained in his letter of 8th December, 1950, to the hon. Member for Maldon, that the question of a local overseas allowance for troops in Korea would be kept under review, and that such an allowance would be introduced if at any time the prices of items on which troops usually spend money were found to warrant it, he will now state whether this matter has now been reviewed; and with what result;

(2) if he will give an assurance that any local overseas allowance granted to troops in Korea will be retrospective to the date at which the items whose prices warrant such an allowance became available for purchase.

Mr. M. Stewart

The purpose of local overseas allowance is to meet the additional cost of living in overseas stations as compared with the United Kingdom, and N.A.A.F.I. prices are only one of many factors involved. My right hon. Friend is satisfied, as he has previously informed the House, that the Commander in Korea will submit recommendations for an overseas allowance should he consider it necessary. The extent to which any allowances granted should be retrospective will be considered if and when such recommendations are received.

Mr. Low

Is not the Commander in Korea rather busy with other matters, and ought not the War Office to see that people who are fighting in those difficult conditions are given the allowance when the N.A.A.F.I. prices are so high, as is admitted? Should not the Government see that the onus is on the War Office to give the proper allowance, instead of putting the onus on those who are fighting?

Mr. Stewart

As I think the hon. Gentleman knows, it is normally the concern of the Commander to make representations on a matter like this. We shall, of course, take considerable notice of the opinions expressed in the House. It is true that N.A.A.F.I. prices for some commodities are high, but the House has been provided with a list of the goods as a whole, and the prices are lower in other respects; nor is this the only factor affecting the cost of living.

Mr. Driberg

In view of the phrase from the Secretary of State's letter, quoted in Question No. 21, when my hon. Friend says that N.A.A.F.I. prices are only one of the factors taken into consideration, can he say what other things it is possible for the troops in Korea to spend their money on?

Mr. Stewart

It is not the purpose of a local overseas allowance to compensate for amenities that cannot be obtained. It is true that there are certain amenities that can be obtained in Hong Kong which affect the cost of living there and which do not enter into the argument in Korea.

Major Beamish

Is it not an absurd state of affairs that a man fighting in Korea, in most unpleasant conditions, should draw less in pay and allowances than equivalent ranks who are in the safety of Hong Kong? Is it impossible for the Government to take an intelligent view of this matter?

Mr. Stewart

The view that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has advanced is something very different and contrary to all previous practice. The local overseas allowance is related to the cost of living in the area and not to the nature of operations.

Mr. Cuthbert

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these Questions refer particularly to the troops who were sent from Hong Kong, in August, to Korea? I understand that the allowance was given not only as a cost of living allowance, but to supplement the pay of the officers or men who had their wives out there. Their wives are still in Hong Kong, and the men are in Korea and they have suffered this cash loss.

Mr. Stewart

The arrangement made after the men left Hong Kong was only a brief, temporary arrangement. What we are now doing is in accordance with the recognised practice but, of course, in the face of any compelling evidence, we shall certainly consider the granting of a local overseas allowance.

Mr. Molson

Does the hon. Gentleman's reply mean that the fewer the amenities that there are to be purchased the smaller the overseas allowance will be?

Mr. Stewart

No, Sir. It means that a local overseas allowance has relation to the cost of living in the theatre concerned.

Mr. Driberg

Although my hon. Friend says that the Commander on the spot will make a recommendation if he thinks it necessary, can my hon. Friend not take the initiative of consulting the Commander and ask him if he thinks it would not be desirable?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, Sir. I think that could be done.

Mr. Low

Would the hon. Gentleman say whether, after this Question was first raised, I think on 27th February, he or his right hon. Friend did or did not get into touch with the Commander in Korea?

Mr. Stewart

I understand that my right hon. Friend did that.

Mr. Low

What happened?

Brigadier Clarke

When the hon. Gentleman has finished considering this matter, will he back-date the allowance so that the men will not suffer?

Mr. Stewart

I have already referred to that point in my original answer.