HC Deb 06 October 1942 vol 383 c1095W
Mr. Glenvil Hall

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the daily rate for a maritime anti-aircraft gunner; whether this includes war risk pay; and whether adequate arrangements are made to ensure that these men get their proper allocation of leave, including week-end leave, when ashore?

Sir J. Grigg

Maritime anti-aircraft gunners are paid at normal soldiers' rates and get no war risk pay. They get seven days' leave for every three months' service at sea. Survivors from torpedoed ships are given 14 days' leave. Week-end leave is granted whenever possible, and in addition leave is sometimes granted at some ports abroad which does not reckon against entitlement. My hon. Friend will understand that operational necessity rather than regulations governs the granting of leave to these men, but we do our best to see that the balance is in their favour.