§ Mr. Callaghanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what representations he has received from the Maltese Government, or from other sources, complaining that the new rates of pay for Maltese service personnel widen the gap between British and Maltese rates for a private from 19s. 3d. to 56s. per week; and if he will take steps to remove these grievances.
Mr. WardMy noble Friend discussed the pay of Maltese service personnel with Mr. Mintoff (at Mr. Mintoff's request) during his recent visit to this country. The discussion included points from a memorandum, which had been forwarded by the Maltese Government to the Secretary of State for the Colonies and circulated by him to the Service Ministers. I too, have recently had some talk with Mr. Mintoff in Malta on this subject.
As I have already told the hon. Member, the level of pay for Maltese service personnel is based on the prevailing level of local wages. Since this is different from the level of earnings in this country, the resulting pay codes for Maltese and United Kingdom service personnel must also be different. In view of this and of the wide difference in the 23W liability to disturbance, no valid comparison can be made between the two pay codes.
My noble Friend will shortly be sending Mr. Mintoff a letter about this matter.