§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, in any country in which they are stationed, members of the armed forces pay charges under the fiscal regulations of the receiving state in respect of the provision of(a) refuse collection, (b) education services, (c) environmental health services and (d) water and drainage services; and if he will make a statement.
97W
§ Mr. Freeman[holding answer 23 June 1988]: Members of the armed forces who are operating abroad under the provisions of the NATO status of forces agreement are exempt, under article X of the agreement, from any charges under the fiscal regulations of the receiving state in respect of the services listed by the hon. Member. It may be helpful, however, if I explain that within NATO Her Majesty's Government make a payment in lieu of rates (or their equivalent), or a direct payment for the services provided where this is appropriate. Outside NATO we generally seek to ensure that neither the service man, nor Her Majesty's Government, is liable to pay charges under the fiscal regulations of the receiving state for the provision of any essential services.