HC Deb 19 May 1978 vol 950 cc340-2W
Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement explaining the criteria used by his Department to assess that quantity of military equipment supplies from the United Kingdom which would significantly affect the military and political situation in any area to which the armaments will be sold.

Dr. Gilbert

The criteria include: The nature of the equipment, the likely use to which it would be put, the policies of the recipient Government and the existing military and political situation in the area.

Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if it is his policy to sell defence equipment only for defensive use; and, if so, whether he will make a statement explaining for what defensive purpose he has allowed the Government of Iran to purchase cluster bombs from British suppliers.

Dr. Gilbert

The circumstances in which the equipment might be used is one of the factors which is taken into account when proposals are considered. It is not the practice to comment on sales to individual

(1) (2) (3) (4)
Private Sergeant Lieutenant
Date Average earnings of full-time male workers over 21 weekly pay percentage difference from (1) weekly pay percentage difference from (1) weekly pay percentage difference from (1)
£ £ £ £
April 1970 30.00 23.80 -20.7 38.15 +27.2 37.45 +24.8
April 1971 32.90 25.48 -22.6 40.81 +24.0 40.11 +21.9
April 1972 36.70 27.58 -24.9 45.29 +23.4 43.12 +17.49
April 1978 Not yet available 57.40 88.20 85.47
Notes (1) Average earnings figures are from the DE New Earnings Survey. They are available only for April each year.
(2) In 1971 the Service pay rates shown were effective from the 1st August only.

Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for Defence by what percentage the earnings of a senior non-commissioned officer—less the X factor—has exceeded or been less than average industrial earnings in each year since 1st April 1975.

Dr. Gilbert

The information requested is as follows:

(1) (2) (3)
Date (less X-factor) Military Salary of Warrant Officer 1, Scale C, Band 6, with 18 years Service Average earnings of full time male worker over 21 Col. 1 as percentage of Col. 2
April 1975 £78.11 £56.60 138.0
April 1976 £84.11 £67.40 124.8
April 1977 £88.11 £74.20 118.7
April 1978 £98.03 Not yet available

Note. Average earnings are taken from the DE New Earnings Survey. Figures for this April will not be available until later in the year.

Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the percentage increase in military salary in each of the forces pay reviews since April 1972 to date, together with the percentage countries, which are considered on the merits of each case.

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