§ LORD SHINWELLasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether members of the Forces who are transferred from overseas bases to serve in Ulster continue to receive any allowances to which they may be entitled because of overseas service.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE FOR THE ARMY (LORD BRAYLEY)I assume the noble Lord is referring to the Local Overseas Allowance which is issued to Servicemen stationed overseas to compensate for the higher cost of living overseas compared with the United Kingdom. It follows that when Servicemen are transferred from overseas bases to serve in Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom, the issue of Local Overseas Allowance is no longer appropriate. However, families who remain overseas while their husbands are serving on emergency tours in Northern Ireland continue to receive the family element—about 70 per cent. of the allowance. The noble Lord will, in addition, be aware of the measures announced by my right honourable friend on May 13 in another place for improving the welfare of Servicemen in Northern Ireland.