HC Deb 17 July 1968 vol 768 cc1424-6
40. Mr. Worsley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of serving pay is given as retired pay to members of the Armed Forces in the United Kingdom and other member countries of the Western European Union, respectively.

Mr. Reynolds

With permission, I will circulate some United Kingdom examples in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am making inquiries about the position in the other countries, and will write to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Worsley

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Will he confinn that these figures will show that we treat our retired Servicemen worse than our allies treat theirs?

Mr. Reynolds

As I do not know the figures, I am writing to them to find out, and I cannot possibly confirm or deny it at this point.

The following is the information:

Pension as percentage of total emoluments Per cent.
Corporal (Non-tradesman) … 55
Corporal (Technician) … 51
WOI (Non-tradesman) … 61
WOI (Technician) … 56
Major … 57
Colonel … 60

These percentages represent the proportion of total emoluments represented by a full career pension plus the terminal grant expressed as an annual pension. Total emoluments are maximum basic pay, marriage allowance (at the "in-quarters" rate) and ration allowance.

41. Mr. Worsley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence in which member countries of the Western European Union is retired pay once awarded adjusted automatically for changes in serving pay.

Mr. Reynolds

In the United Kingdom a separate decision is required to increase retired pay. I am making inquiries about the position in the other countries and will write to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Worsley

As the right hon. Gentleman will find that in this respect, too, our Allies automatically adjust Service pensions., does he not think that the Government should do the same?

Mr. Reynolds

For many years, I believe since the First World War, Service pensioners have been dealt with as part of the whole problem of public service pensions. I believe that to be right.