HC Deb 14 December 1960 vol 632 cc389-90
17. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that in respect of rations, domestic help and all other allowances and services British Service men in Berlin enjoy status and treatment equal to those of equivalent status at home or in West Germany.

Mr. Profumo

I am satisfied that in general, soldiers in Berlin are at least as well treated in these respects as their fellows in Western Germany or at home.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain Army personnel, but particularly R.A.F. personnel, married officers and other ranks under Army command in West Berlin, feel that they are suffering under quite inexcusable disadvantages and even financial loss in matters of the local overseas allowances, lack of fresh milk, free travel arrangements and even free ration arrangements, which the French receive but which R.A.F. men in West Berlin do not? Will he undertake to have a thorough inquiry into the matter, not just an inspection when everything is laid on and the best food is available which, I assure him, is not the case most of the time, at least for the R.A.F.?

Mr. Profumo

We carried out a complete review—not just an inspection al which everything was laid on—in which living costs in Berlin were examined, and it was concluded that they were less than those in the United Kingdom and that therefore there was no case for a change in the present arrangement; but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, I will gladly examine it.

Mr. MacMillan

I cannot give a particular case, for reasons which must be obvious to the Minister with his experience. This is a much more general matter. It has been established by independent accountants in the R.A.F. that the cost of living in West Berlin is higher than in West Germany in the main. Will he undertake to have a further inquiry in a general sense?

Mr. Profumo

The hon. Member need not have any worry about submitting a special case to me on behalf of any constituent or friend of his. He can leave out the name if he so wishes. I cannot speak for the Royal Air Force, but the Army has undertaken an examination. However, I shall be happy to look at any point which the hon. Member puts to me.