HC Deb 07 December 1973 vol 865 cc483-4W
Mr. Strang

asked the Minister of State for Defence what instructions have been issued to the Services regarding the need to modify and cancel military exercises so as to reduce fuel consumption.

Mr. Kershaw

Some exercises due to be held this month and next have been cancelled. The exercise programme is being reviewed, with the aim of achieving a balance between maintenance of safety standards and operational efficiency required in support of both our NATO and national commitments, and achievement of the necessary savings in fuel.

Mr. Strang

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he is satisfied that all visions for a widow and two dependent children at death prior to retirement.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

The table below provides the requested information for those schemes which provide for a normal retiring age of 60 to 65. Other schemes—for example, police, fire and Armed Services—provide for an earlier retirement age because of the special physical requirements of the work and are thus not really comparable. Also, of course, only a small proportion of Members of Parliament complete the 40 years' service on which the figures are based.

the military exercises carried out in Scotland following the Government's appeal to the public to conserve fuel have been essential for defence requirements in view of the quantities of fuel consumed.

Mr. Kershaw

Apart from normal Service basic training, which is under continuous review to secure economies in the use of fuel, three specific exercises were carried out in Scotland during this period. The military need for these exercises had been confirmed and all practical economies in the use of fuel were sought.

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