HC Deb 18 November 1971 vol 826 c184W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of State for Defence why he will not take action to introduce a system for British Servicemen and Servicewomen to join a public service trade union.

Lord Balniel

Mainly because active participation in trade union matters would be in conflict with Service discipline, and because the Armed Forces Pay Review Body exists to establish independently the appropriate pay and allowances of the Services.