§ Q2. Mr. Trotterasked the Prime Minister whether he will pay a visit to West Drayton.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to do so.
§ Mr. TrotterWill the Prime Minister visit RAF West Drayton and talk to the hundreds of Service men there who have to take part-time jobs wrapping chocolates to keep their wives and families? Will he explain to them why the rates of Service pay have fallen so far behind those for comparable jobs, or is he content that Service men should be forced to be chocolate-box soldiers?
§ The Prime MinisterWe all want Service men to be properly paid, and it will be for the Armed Forces Pay Review Body to come forward with appropriate proposals next spring.
This practice of doing second jobs has, I understand, operated for some time and has been contained in Queen's Regulations for many years. I believe that in an area such as West Drayton it is a practice that has gone on for a long time. However, the hon. Gentleman will no doubt agree that it is better to have two jobs than to have none at all, which is what would happen as a result of his vote last night in the shipbuilding debate.
§ Mr. AshleyOn this question of part-time jobs, does the Prime Minister agree that far too many hon. Members, especially Tory Members, have too many part-time jobs, and that membership of the House is a full-time job for every Member of Parliament?
§ The Prime MinisterI believe that political moonlighting is a tradition of the House. Some occupations are more valuable and socially useful than others. As far as the Opposition are concerned, I have a feeling—
§ Mr. Ridley"Hodge".
§ The Prime MinisterI am not sure what the hon. Gentleman is referring to. If he has any smear to make, after his Watergate smear, no doubt he will get to his feet and make it.
§ Mr. ShersbyIs the Prime Minister aware that my constituents in West Dray, ton who serve Her Majesty in the Royal Air Force are totally disillusioned with the attitude of the Government and their refusal to restore comparability of Service pay with outside pay, and, moreover, that they are utterly dismayed by the virtual total absence of the Labour Party from the House of Commons last Friday when the subject of Forces pay was debated? Is the Prime Minister aware that if he had planned to visit West Drayton he would have received a very hot reception indeed? Will he now explain to the House when he proposes to restore comparability?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Armed Forces need to be properly remunerated, as do the police, firemen, and all other public services. However, they are part of the community, and the burdens that are borne by the community cannot be exempted in their case.
The job of the House of Commons, as I hope all hon. Members agree, is to try to secure fair play for the Armed Forces, but that does not exempt them from the burdens which others have to carry. Everyone understands, except the Opposition in their more irresponsible moments—certainly the public understands—that we are succeeding in what we are doing. That is why we retain the support of the public.
§ Mr. Bryan DaviesGiven that the forecasting ability of the Treasury computer is held in high regard only by the hon. Member for Cornwall, North (Mr. Pardoe), could it be put to better use in totting up the demands of the Conservatives for increases in public expenditure and presenting the nation with an accurate bill on that account?
§ The Prime MinisterI am obliged to my hon. Friend for his suggestion. I am now compiling a list, which I hope to produce at an appropriate moment.
§ Sir Ian GilmourWill the Prime Minister clarify the position of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body? Is he aware that on Friday the Minister of State, Ministry of Defence admitted that it was not an independent body? In a rare moment of frankness, the hon. Gentleman stated:
It is recommended to make recommendations."—[Official Report, 9th December 1977; Vol. 940, c. 1947.]Will the Prime Minister therefore, stop trying to hide behind the skirts of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body and say that what the Government intend to do?
§ The Prime MinisterWith respect, that remark hardly seems up to the right hon. Gentleman's usual standard. He knows the functions of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. It takes evidence and makes recommendations to the Government, who then reach conclusions. That procedure has been followed for some years. It was established as a result of all-party agreement, and we shall continue to follow it.