§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will give for a date in each of the years from 1974 the total numbers of men and women in the forces and their costs; and what are the reasons for the rise or fall in the numbers and costs.
§ Dr. GilbertThe total number of men and women in the Armed Forces at 31st December in each of the last four years is as follows:
'000 1974 351.9 1975 347.7 1976 343.3 1977 331.6
Pension (£ per annum) Rank Retirement age Reckonable Service Retirement date (March) On Award Current Amount* Terminal Grant (£) (Tax free) Private … … 40 20 1976 853 853 2,559 1977 952 952 2,856 1978 1,000 1,000 3,000 Sergeant … … 45 27 1976 1,365 1,365 4,095 1977 1,481 1,481 4,443 1978 1,556 1,556 4,668 WO 1 … … 55 37 1976 2,199 3,566 6,597 1977 2,350 3,028 7,050 1978 2,452 2,754 7,356 Major … … 50 29 1976 2,579 2,579 7,737 1977 2,713 2,713 8,139 1978 2,803 2,803 8,409 Lt. General … … 55 34 1976 7,275 12,180 21,825 1977 7,275 9,376 21,825 1978 7,376 8,283 22,128 * After pension increases by analogy with the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971. The minimum age for payment of increases is 55. Pensions are outside the terms of reference of the Army Forces Pay Review Body.