HC Deb 05 July 1968 vol 767 cc279-80W
Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the present issue of identity cards to officers serving with the British Army of the Rhine were produced in the United States of America; and why they were not produced in Great Britain.

Mr. Boyden

Identity cards for officers serving in B.A.O.R. are produced at H.Q. B.O.A.R. The plastic material used in their production is at present imported from the U.S.A. but the possibility of obtaining it from the United Kingdom is being investigated.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now make a statement on the proposed increases in local overseas allowances to officers and men serving with the British Army of the Rhine, in view of the effect they have suffered through devaluation.

Mr. Boyden

A full review of the local overseas allowances for officers and men serving with the British Army of the Rhine took place in May last and the Headquarters, B.A.O.R. were told of the new rates resulting from the review at the end of June. The rates for some ranks, mainly officers, showed slight decreases on the interim rates in force following devaluation, while the rates for other ranks, mainly the married accompanied soldiers, showed slight increases. The increases will be retrospective to the beginning of March.