HC Deb 16 October 1973 vol 861 cc7-8
9. Sir John Tilney

asked the Minister of State for Defence what action he proposes to take, either through a change in NAAFI prices or through adjustment of allowances, to mitigate the effects of the revaluation of the mark on British troops in Germany.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

No such action is needed. British troops in Germany continue to receive their pay and allowances at an exchange rate fixed prior to the last revaluation of the mark on 29th June 1973.

Sir John Tilney

Has not the mark since then been revalued and the pound devalued, to the detriment of Service families?

Mr. Gilmour

No, Sir. The mark was revalued on 29th June 1973, and the fixed exchange rate is the same as it was on 1st May.

Mr. Wiggin

Is it not a fact that the changes in various valuations affect the purchasing power of the British soldier's family in BAOR and that the revision which will take them into account will not be made until January at the earliest? Ts not this basically dishonest?

Mr. Gilmour

I have just told my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Sir John Tilney) that this is not so. When the mark was revalued the forces went on getting their pay in Germany at the previous rate. There is nothing dishonest about it.

15. Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will seek to provide British television for Service men and their families in BAOR.

Mr. Blaker

A feasibility study has been carried out and the results of this are now being considered.

Mr. Kilfedder

I am grateful for what my hon. Friend has said, but when considering the results of the studies will he bear in mind that the wives and families of British Service men and British Service men themselves in West Germany are away from their relatives and friends and most of them do not understand the German language? It would therefore be a useful amenity for them if they were supplied with British television, and I think that it would be money well spent, especially for wives whose husbands are serving in Northern Ireland. We should remember that the American Army is provided with American television.

Mr. Blaker

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. This is a desirable project, and that is the reason for the feasibility study.