§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate has been made of savings likely to accrue as a result of the downbanding recommendations made by the joint services job evaluation team in relation to pay-scales for airmen/aircrew and air electronics operators.
§ Mr. NeubertThere will be no immediate savings arising from the downbanding of air electronic operators. This is because the individuals concerned will retain their existing rate of basic pay on a mark-time basis until such a time as pay review awards lift the lower pay band scale above this rate. In the longer term the reduction in the annual paybill resulting from the change is estimated to be £438,000.