§ Mr. Sandelsonasked the Prime Minister if he will now make an announcement about the latest report of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Fourth Report of the Review Body on Armed Forces Pay, covering the pay for all ranks up to and including brigadier, but excluding medical and dental officers whose pay is still under review, is published today as Cmnd. 6063. Copies are available in the Vote Office. The Government are most grateful to the Review Body for a thorough and comprehensive report.
The 1973 and 1974 reviews of Service pay took place within the framework of the statutory pay controls then in force, and this is, therefore, the first review for three years which has not been conducted within the context of a statutory policy.; The report recommends increases in pay with effect from 1st April 1975 which add on average 18 per cent. to current rates Including threshold payments, equivalent to an average increase of 29½ per cent. over the rates introduced following the 1974 review. It also recommends increases in food and accommodation charges. Further, it recommends final steps needed in respect of women's pay to meet the requirements of the Equal Pay Act 1970, and these will also take effect from 1st April.
The object of the Review Body's recommendations is to restore in respect of both pay and charges for accommodation and food, an equitable relationship between the Armed Forces and the rest of the community, and the Government accept these recommendations.