§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a decision has yet been reached on the representations made by Major D. F. Robinson of the West India Regiment on the subject of his pay and allowances; and what would be the extent of the cost which would fall on the Exchequer as a result of the granting of the request.
§ Mr. MaudlingIt has been agreed that certain aspects of Major Robinson's claim should be allowed and he has been so informed.
Major Robinson claims that for a period of over eleven years while serving with the Jamaica Battalion he had been underpaid in regard to basic pay and allowances. In essence his case was based on the fact that a Jamaica law of 1939 which was not repealed until 1958 laid down that when called up for service members of the local forces were entitled to rates of pay and allowances not less than the corresponding pay and allowances granted to officers and men of H.M. Regular Army. New and higher rates of pay and allowances were introduced for the British Army in 1946: in subsequent negotiations for increased pay for members of the Jamaica Battalion this provision of the Jamaica Law was overlooked and consequently members of the Jamaica Battalion did not benefit to the full extent to which by law they were entitled.
127WThe issues raised by Major Robinson are equally applicable in respect of the pay and certain allowances granted to all other persons who served in the Jamaica Regiment at any time between 1st July, 1946 and 1st January, 1958; and arrangements are being made to ensure that the persons concerned are made aware of this.
It is estimated that the cost to the Exchequer will amount to between £500,000 and £700,000. Of this, some £200,000 may be needed during the current financial year, and it may be necessary to make a Civil Contingencies Fund advance.