§ 2. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has received the report of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body; and if he will make a statement.
§ 32. Rear-Admiral Morgan-Gilesasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has yet received the recommendation of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body; what action he intends to take; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BlakerIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this is the time of the year when the forces' pay increase is due? Is he further aware that if their position in relation to other types of employment is to be restored they will need a substantial pay increase? Will he give an assurance that he will do his best to make sure that they receive it?
§ Mr. RodgersI am well aware of what the hon. Gentleman says. There is considerable concern about this. He will know the procedures that are normally 131 followed. We hope that the Review Body will report as soon as possible.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-GilesCan the Minister say whether it accords with the Government's ideas of social justice that a soldier on duty in Northern Ireland doing perhaps 112 hours per week or more should be able to earn only one-third as much as can be earned by a fit young miner?
§ Mr. RodgersI do not think that this is the time for speculation on what is or is not my view of social justice. The House is fully aware of the peculiar and difficult conditions of soldiers serving in Northern Ireland. I am sure that this will be one of the factors which the Review Body will take into account.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsWill the Minister remember that Service pay today is very low in comparison with pay in industry? Is it right that Service men should need to receive rent and rate rebates for their accommodation? Does he not think that an increase in pay of at least 14 per cent. is necessary? Will he do everything in his power to hurry things up with the Review Body to get something done before the end of April?
§ Mr. RodgersIt would undermine the independence of the Review Body, to which all hon. Members attach the greatest significance, if I speculated on the level of increase which would be proper. In so far as the hon. Gentleman is expressing general concern, I can tell him that this is shared. I hope that the Review Body will report soon. I expect that the usual procedures will be followed by which any settlement will be backdated to the accustomed date.