§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what percentage armed forces' salaries were abated in respect of imputed contributions to pensions in the armed forces in each year since 1960; and what information he has on previous years' abatements.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThere is no abatement of the pay of members of the armed forces in respect of imputed contributions to pensions. However, in recommending rates of pay for the armed forces, the armed forces pay review body (AFPRB) makes an adjustment to comparator earnings to reflect its judgment on the additional pension benefit received by members of the armed forces compared with that available for civilian130W schemes. Between 1981 and 1986 that adjustment was set at 11 per cent.; since then it has been set at 10 per cent. The basis of these adjustments is explained in greater detail in the AFPRB's 10th and 15th reports, Commands 8241 and 9784.