§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Stretford on 1st December 1977, Official Report, columns 363–4, what was the average gross rate of pay of (a) a private, (b) a sergeant, and (c) a lieutenant in the years 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1978, respectively; and by what percentage these figures were above or below average industrial earnings then pertaining.
§ Dr. GilbertThe figures requested are, on the same basis as used before, as follows:
increase in average industrial earnings in the course of the 12 months immediately prior to each report.
§ Dr. GilbertThe information requested is as follows:
Year Percentage Increase in Military Salary (Effective from 1st April) Percentage Increase in Average Earnings during previous 12 months 1972 10.5 10.8 1973 6.5 13.5 1974 12.5 13.5 1975 29.5 27.5 1976 9.6 19.8 1977 4.8 11.4 1978 12.8 11.8 Notes (1) Figures given are for increases in military salary only, that is, additional pay is omitted.
(2) Average earnings figures are taken from the index of industrial earnings published in DE Gazette.
§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the percentage increase in earnings for officers of the rank of brigadier or above in each year since 1st April 1975; and what has been the equivalent increase in average 343W industrial earnings over the previous 12 months in each case.
§ Dr. GilbertThe information requested is as follows:
Brigadier Percentage increase in Military Salary Percentage increase in average industrial earnings over previous 12 months 1st April '75 32.6 27.5 1st April '76 Nil 19.8 1st April '77 2.1 11.4 1st April '78 13.1 11.8
Major General and above Percentage increase in Salary 1st January '76 Nil 1st January '77 1.1–1.7 The 1978 pay award for major generals and above will depend on the report of the Top Salaries Review Body, which has yet to be presented to the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Stretford on 15th June 1977, Official Report, column 178, he will now list the percentage increases in Armed Forces pay, average industrial earnings, service pensions, and cost of living for the period 1st April 1977 to 1st April 1978.
§ Dr. GilbertThis year's Service pay review, which is being implemented with effect from 1st April 1978, includes an average increase of 12.8 per cent. on basic military salary—the balance of the total increase of 13 per cent. on total earnings covers increases in major forms of additional pay. The Department of Employment monthly index of average earnings in manufacturing industry from 31st March 1977 to 31st March 1978 rose by 11.8 per cent. Service pensions, for existing pensioners, in line with those for the rest of the public service, rose by 17.7 per cent. in December 1977, and basic pensions for those retiring on or after 1st April 1978 will be increased by an average of 32 per cent. The retail price index rose by 9.1 per cent. from March 1977 to March 1978.
§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the maximum and the minimum percentage increase in pay received by any rank of the Armed Forces in consequence of the 1978 review.
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§ Dr. GilbertThe maximum percentage increase in the military salary under the 1978 pay award is 15.5 per cent. for a Royal Navy chief artificer; the minimum increase 10.9 per cent. for a second lieutenant and equivalents. This excludes a small number of UDR personnel serving on special conditions of service at their own request, some of whom will receive 8.4 per cent. These variations reflect a move towards the restoration of differentials recommended by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body.
If the increase in the major forms of additional pay is taken into account, the maximum percentage increase in total pay for officers is 17.6 per cent. for a flight lieutenant — on appointment — in receipt of flying pay; and for Service men 19.1 per cent. for an able seaman—scale A, intermediate rate—in receipt of the highest rate of diving pay.