§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Defence what undertakings were given to officers entering the Fleet Air Arm on short-service commissions in 1966 concerning the payment of tax-free gratuities after 12 years.
§ Dr. GilbertAircrew officers recruited into the Fleet Air Arm in 1966 were offered two types of direct entry commission. For details of the terms of these commissions I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Burton (Mr. Lawrence) on 9th March [Vol. 927, c.596–7.]
§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied that the terms of an advertisement placed in national newspapers in 1966 by Captain J. H. F. Eberle, R.N., of the Officer Entry Section of the Admiralty inviting officers to join the Fleet Air Arm on short-service commissions of 12 years to receive in 1978 tax-free gratuities of £5,000 have been honoured.
§ Dr. GilbertAircrew officers leaving at their 8- or 12-year break point before April 1978 receive gratuities. The position of those with the option to leave after April 1978 is being reviewed by188W Ministers in the light of pensions legislation.
§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether on joining the Royal Navy on short-service commissions in 1966 officers were informed that the advertised undertaking that they would be entitled to a tax-free gratuity of £5,000 would not necessarily be honoured.
§ Dr. GilbertNo.
§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Defence why he has decided not to honour the undertaking given in 1966 by the Admiralty that after 12 years' service they would pay to officers of the Fleet Air Arm on short-service commissions a tax-free gratuity of £5,000.
§ Dr. GilbertNo such decision has been taken.