§ Mr. Ramsdenasked the Minister of State for Defence whether the Government have received the report of the Armed Forces Review Body; and what decisions have been reached.
§ Lord BalnielThe Government have accepted the recommendations of the Review Body on Armed Forces Pay in its report which is published today as Command paper 4954. Copies are available in the Vote Office.
These involve increases in basic pay, certain major forms of additional pay, and committal pay and increments related to length of engagement and service, together with a step towards equal pay for Servicewomen. Charges for food and accommodation are to be increased on the same occasion.
The proportionate increases in pay for individuals will vary over a wide range—depending on rank and particular circumstances. Taking account of the interim flat rate pay increase of 7 per cent. awarded last August, the average gross increase per annum since the last comprehensive review of Service pay two years ago is 9 per cent.; the average net percentage after allowing for increase in food and accommodation charges is 8 per cent. per annum.
The new rates will take effect from 1st April, 1972.
The Government are most grateful to the members of the Review Body on Armed Forces Pay for their work in preparing their report.