HC Deb 22 November 1950 vol 481 cc46-7W
62. Mr. Lindsay

asked the Minister of Defence to what extent Servicemen sent to the Far East have had their expenditure in local currencies restricted.

Mr. Shinwell

Except in Korea and Japan, United Kingdom Servicemen at stations in the Far East are paid in local currency without restrictions. Following is a statement showing the restrictions which apply in Korea and Japan:—

1. JAPAN United Kingdom Servicemen are paid in British Armed Forces Special Vouchers up to their current net entitlement. Exchanges from British Armed Forces Special Vouchers into yen are allowed without restriction but reverse exchanges are not allowed.

2. KOREA

  1. (a) 29th Brigade and R.A.F. personnel are paid in British Armed Forces Special Vouchers up to their current net entitlement. Exchanges from British Armed Forces Special Vouchers into Korean Won are allowed without restriction but reverse exchanges are not allowed.
  2. (b) 27th Brigade are dependent on American canteen facilities and are therefore paid in U.S. Military Payment Certificates. The amounts which can he drawn are limited as follows:

OFFICERS—Monthly

  • Brigadier—117.60 dollars (£42 sterling).
  • Colonel and Lieut-Colonel—92.40 dollars (£33 sterling).
  • Major—75.60 dollars (£27 sterling).
  • Captain—58.80 dollars (£21 sterling).
  • Lieut. and 2nd-Lieut.—42.00 dollars (£15 sterling.)

OTHER RANKS—Weekly

  • Warrant Officer—11.20 dollars (£4 sterling).
  • S/Sgt. and Sgt—8.40 dollars (£3 sterling).
  • L/Cpls. and below—5.6 dollars (£2 sterling).
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  • (c) The Royal Marine Commando, which is fully integrated with the U.S. forces, is also paid in U.S. Military Payment Certificates, and there is no restriction on the amount which may he drawn within the limit of current net pay and allowances.
  • (d) There is no restriction on exchanges from U.S. Military Payment Certificates into Korean won but reverse exchanges are not allowed. It has been suggested to local Commanders that in the troops' own interest exchanges from British Armed Forces Special Vouchers and U.S. Military Payment Certificates into local currency (yen or won) should he kept to a minimum, but no hard and fast rules have been laid down.