§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Defence why there are no trade unionists on the Review Body on Armed Forces Pay; why there are no serving personnel on the body; if he will consider appointing a non-commissioned officer or other rank to this body; and if he will consider appointing a member or members of the Armed Services to this body.
§ Mr. MulleySir Leslie Williams, who has been a member of the Review Body on Armed Forces Pay since 1975, has wide experience of trade union activity drawn from his former appointments as general secretary of the Society of Civil Servants and secretary, staff side of the National Whitley Council. The appointment of members is a matter for the Prime Minister, but I can say that the appointment of a serving member of the256W Armed Forces to the Review Body would be bound to cast doubt on its absolute independence.