HC Deb 19 February 1969 vol 778 cc101-2W
65. Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the normal working hours for civilian and service personnel working with the Armed Forces in Cyprus; and what is the length of the average working week.

Mr. Reynolds

The average normal hours for Servicemen are 39 to 41 hours a week, but these may be varied according to the duties and activities of the unit. The average hours of United Kingdom based civilians in Cyprus are generally 41 hours a week inclusive of the lunch hour, but hours vary for special groups.

66. Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what additional premiums are paid to civilian personnel working with the forces in Cyprus; and what are the grounds on which these premiums are paid.

Mr. Reynolds

When serving in Cyprus, or elsewhere overseas, all United Kingdom based civilian employees are entitled to certain additional allowances to compensate them for the disturbance involved and to enable them to meet the higher cost of living at the overseas station. These allowances vary according to the individual's salary scale, his marital status and whether or not he occupies official quarters.

For those classes and grades entitled to overtime pay, the hourly rate of overtime applicable in the United Kingdom is increased by a zonal addition of 75 per cent. in Cyprus in recognition of the lower purchasing power of sterling.