§ Mr. Ian Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the salary scales for expatriate staff working in Commonwealth war cemeteries in France and Belgium, and how they compare with the remuneration paid to nationals of the country involved working in these cemeteries.
§ Mr. MasonThe rates of pay of United Kingdom based manual staff working in Commonwealth war cemeteries in France and Belgium range from £52.98 per week for a head gardener 1st class to £42.80 for an assistant gardener. In addition to pay, expatriate staff receive a local allowance to compensate them for the higher cost of living in France and Belgium. They also receive allowances for children and various other benefits. Rates of pay of locally engaged staff in France range from 1,980 francs per month for the top grade of skilled gardener to 1,840 francs per month for an unskilled gardener.
I will write to the hon. Member giving fuller details.