HC Deb 14 March 1944 vol 398 cc40-1W
Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that conscription has been applied to Maltese and Cypriots in the Middle East who will serve in British units, he will arrange for pay and allowances at British rates; and what protection he is prepared to give these men with regard to their restoration into their civilian employment when the war is over.

Sir J. Grigg

Maltese and Cypriots who are enlisted into British units receive pay at normal British rates. So do personnel of Maltese and Cypriots units when serving outside Malta and Cyprus. The families of these men when living in Malta, Cyprus or elsewhere in the Mediterranean area receive family allowance at two-thirds British rates. These rates are related to the normal standard of living of these families as compared with British families. I understand that the Governments of Malta and Cyprus are preparing schemes for absorbing into postwar employment men now serving in their local forces. Any of the men to whom the hon. Lady's Question refers who before the war were normally in employment in Malta or Cyprus will be covered by these schemes.

Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any recent increases of pay and allowances have been made to Maltese troops serving in Malta; and, if so, will he state the alterations which have been made.

Sir J. Grigg

In common with the rest of the Army, Maltese other ranks received an increase of 6d. in war pay in October, 1942. Family allowance for families living in Malta of Maltese troops was increased from half to two-thirds of the British rate in March, 1942. There has been no other change in their pay and allowances in the last two years.