§ 71. Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieuasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has any statement to make about pay for members of the Royal Air Force serving in Australia.
§ Mr. Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that the British airmen serving at Maralinga, Australia, get a local overseas allowance of 3s. 9d. per day, whereas the Australian forces working side by side are paid a remote area allowance of 17s. 6d. per day ; and if he will lift the local overseas allowance at Maralinga nearer to the Australian figure.
§ Mr. BirchThe local overseas allowance paid to airmen serving in Australia, including those at Maralinga, ranges from 3s. 9d. to 8s. 3d. a day (tax free); while the sterling value of the remote area allowance payable to Australian personnel is about 14s. a day, subject to tax. The difference between the two allowances, which are not strictly comparable, is in consequence less than the hon. Member suggests. I am nevertheless keeping the position under review.