§ 6. Sir T. Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give an assurance that men and women of all ranks in the Services who have their careers terminated prematurely as a result of Government policy, will receive 71 full compensation in addition to the full gratuity, terminal grant, pension or other benefits to which they are entitled by virtue of their length of service; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Defence for Administration (Mr. G. W. Reynolds)I share the concern of the hon. and gallant Gentleman that all those affected should be fairly treated, but I regret that I cannot yet make a statement.
§ Sir T. BeamishIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread suspicion that the decision has already been taken to offer terms substantially less generous than those given in 1957? Will he take this opportunity to scotch this very unpleasant rumour by making it clear that compensation will be as fair and generous as it was 10 years ago?
§ Mr. ReynoldsIf any suspicion exists, it is completely unfounded, because no decision has been taken. Once a decision has been taken, I will make a statement to the House.
Mr. AtkinsWill the hon. Gentleman confirm that the redundancy payments legislation does not apply to the Armed Forces?
§ Mr. ReynoldsI would rather that that was put to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, but I think that the hon. Gentleman is quite correct.