HC Deb 12 June 1979 vol 968 c228
21. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on recruitment and remuneration of doctors in the Armed Forces.

Mr. Pym

During the past few years the Armed Forces have been unable to recruit the number of doctors that they require. One of the reasons for this shortfall has, no doubt, been the level of pay.

The Armed Forces Pay Review Body makes recommendations on the appropriate pay levels for Service doctors and dentists as well as for the combatants. The Government have decided that, like the combatants, Service doctors and dentists will receive their full appropriate levels of pay effective from 1 April 1979. We are now awaiting a supplementary report from the review body on these appropriate levels of pay for Service doctors and dentists. When these have been implemented I believe that recruitment into the medical services will improve.

Mr. Morrison

Will my right hon. Friend say when this report will be available?

Mr. Pym

I cannot give a precise date, but it will be in the fairly near future.