§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons delays are occurring in relation to the payment of mobilised reservists; how many reservists are affected; and what action he is taking to expedite the payment of mobilised reservists. [165139]
§ Mr. Caplin[holding answer 1 April 2004]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19 April 2004, Official Report, column 340W.
We are not aware of any delay in the payment of reservists' basic military salary. However, there have been some late payments of allowances for reservists during Operation Telic which is attributable to delays in the administrative process of taking the reservist on strength at the Theatre unit. In addition, there have also been delays in handling claims for financial assistance.
Both of these issues were identified during the Operation Telic lessons identified process and action is in hand to improve the administrative systems in use. In particular, as announced in the recent Defence White Paper, we are in the process of developing replacement regulations for reservists' financial assistance which should simplify and speed up the claims process.