§ Mr. Banksasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he will initiate a review of allowances payable to Service men to take account of inflation and compar- 830W ability with Civil Service rates; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. GilbertAs my right hon. Friend told the hon. Member on 22nd February 1978—[Vol. 944, c.665–6]—the rates of compensatory allowances are reviewed from time to time to ensure they meet their objective, and are increased as necessary to reflect higher costs. Taxable allowances, such as separation allowance, fall within the remit of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body and are therefore the subject of MOD evidence to that Body. On the question of comparability with Civil Service rates, there are many allowances which differ between Service and civilian personnel, to take account of very different conditions of service.