§ 8. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the Secretary of State for Air why corporals and below stationed in Germany, unlike all higher ranks, get no increase in their overseas allowance when accompanied by their families.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Christopher Soames)The extra expense to which corporals and aircraftmen serving in Germany are put when separated from their families is thought 1720 to justify the same allowances as when their families are living with them.
§ Mr. FernyhoughIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that the fact that sergeants are getting three and a half times more as overseas allowance when their families are stationed with them than are corporals and those in the ranks is causing great discontent? Does not he appreciate that the wife of the corporal or the ranker has to pay just as much for the clothes for her children, for their food, and so on, and will he look into this matter again and thus remove a genuine grievance?
§ Mr. SoamesWe are of the opinion that it is right and proper for a sergeant to be able to maintain a higher standard of living, not only for himself but also for his family, than airmen of lower ranks.