§ 61. Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he has had with the Maltese Government about terminal or redundancy benefits for locally-established personnel employed by the RAF in Malta; what account he took of the views of the Maltese Government before reaching the decision announced in the British High Commission's Press release of 28th May 1976; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WellbelovedWhen the military facilities agreement was signed in 1972 it was made clear that RAF locally enlisted personnel in Malta would not become eligible for redundancy benefits; the engagements of all were due to end before 31st March 1979, the expiry date of the agreement, and none therefore would be redundant.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State reviewed the matter following his visit to Malta in January of this year, when he held discussions with the Maltese authorities but he decided that the position adopted by Her Majesty's Government in 1972 remained valid.