HC Deb 01 April 1985 vol 76 cc508-10W
Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the starting level of pay for a graduate entering each of the armed services.

Mr. Lee

The starting pay for graduates entering the armed forces as officers can range from £6,986 to £20,174 per annum. The actual rate which is paid will depend on the officer's specialisation and whether or not he has any relevant postgraduate experience to offer in addition to his degree qualifications. Most graduates enter in the rank of second lieutenant or equivalent, depending on the Service. These ranks attract the minimum rate of pay. At the other extreme, experienced doctors and dentists can receive the maximum figure on entry as a major or equivalent. It is not practical to list the various permutations between these extremes.

The same criteria apply in general to female graduates but their rates of pay are slightly lower since they receive X-factor of 7½ per cent. compared with 10 per cent. for males.