§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will detail the benefits which have been or will be removed from service men as mentioned in paragraph 518, page 42 of Cm. 675–I.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe new allowances package referred to in Cm. 675–I introduced a number of changes designed to improve assistance to service men when they are relocated, to remove to a large extent the differences of treatment between single and married personnel, and to benefit seagoers. The aim was that the overall expenditure on the new package should be broadly the same as the old. Those allowances which were considered less appropriate to modern conditions, and which have been or are being removed are as follows:
- (a) United Kingdom travel warrants for single personnel over 25 and married personnel were reduced from four to two per year. First class leave travel for senior officers was discontinued.
- (b) Army and RAF married personnel who opted to serve voluntarily unaccompanied on their next posting after 1 October 1988 were required to pay for their accommodation. They also lost entitlement to separation allowance and separation warrants.
- (c) Residence to place of duty travel reimbursement for those in private accommodation is being phased out, although in certain circumstances service personnel may be paid the cost of excess fares.
- (d) The resettlement and 50-plus assisted house purchase scheme will cease to be available from 30 September 1994.