§ 6. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the strength and cost of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve, operational from 1st April, 1967, for the year 1967–68.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. James Boyden)The gross cost of an estimated strength of about 72,000 is about £18½ million, excluding the cost of the Regular Army permanent staff.
§ Sir G. NabarroHas the Minister observed that the Treasury has now ruled that Selective Employment Tax is to be paid by these men on the Volunteer Reserve while they are serving with the Colours? Is this not a monstrous imposition on the patriotism of volunteers? Is the Secretary of State for Defence incapable of standing up to the Treasury 481 these days, as was manifested by the demonstration last evening?
§ Mr. BoydenAs to the first part of the question, I have. As to the second part, it does not affect the actual costing of the situation.