HC Deb 11 December 1957 vol 579 cc1244-5
22. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Secretary of State for War why single men serving in the forces in Germany do not get the local overseas allowance.

Mr. J. Amery

Because it is held that single men are not put to greater essential personal expenditure in Germany than they would be in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Fernyhough

On what grounds does the hon. Gentleman justify this? How can he say that a married man who leaves his family in this country is entitled to overseas allowance but in Germany a single man is not? On what basis is the decision made?

Mr. Amery

A special rate of allowance is made to married Regular soldiers who would be entitled to have their families with them in Germany but who are without them. This is simply because we have to allow for the money they send home. That affects their own living standards in Germany, but it is paid out at a lower rate than the ordinary overseas allowance.

Mr. Fernyhough

Is not a married man in this country with his family at a disadvantage in comparison with a married man serving in Germany whose family is in this country? How does the hon. Gentleman justify this position?

Mr. Amery

The hon. Member must make allowance for the fact that expenses in Germany outside of N.A.A.F.I. and officers' messes and so on are rather higher than they are in this country.

Mr. Fernyhough

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Army Estimates.