HC Deb 29 May 1956 vol 553 c19
23. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for War why he has abolished British rates of pay and allowances for Maltese Service men training in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Head

These Service men do receive British rates while serving in the United Kingdom except that other ranks do not qualify for the British nine-year rate.

Mr. Callaghan

Has not the procedure recently been changed? Can the Secretary of State say why?

Mr. Head

The procedure has been identical, with one exception. The nine-year rate was a special incentive to a British citizen to commit himself for nine years to serve anywhere in the world. These men qualify for the three-year and six-year rates but not for the nine-year rate.

Mr. Callaghan

Why?