§ Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for War how the National Service Grant scheme will apply to retained National Service men.
§ Mr. ProfumoRetained National Service men will be eligible for National Service Grants which are paid by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance on my behalf. It will be necessary to review 65W these grants in the light of the increased rates of pay and marriage allowance drawn by retained National Service men. I have accordingly invited my right hon. Friend to adjust these grants in the light of the soldier's new position when he goes on to Regular rates of pay and allowances. Although it has been possible to make the rules governing these grants somewhat more generous than they were, it will none the less normally be necessary, where they are in payment to a man retained in service, to make some reduction in them, and in some cases to extinguish them altogether; but every family will benefit overall. I am arranging for the position to be explained to the men concerned so as to prevent any misunderstanding, and my right hon. Friend will be writing similarly to their wives and families.