Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the percentage change in real terms in the annual amount of Government expenditure on military salaries between (i) 1969 and 1979 (ii) 1979 and 1989;
(2) what is the percentage change in real terms in the pay upon appointment of (a) a field marshal, (b) major generals, (c) colonels, (d) captains, (e) second lieutenants, (f) sergeants, (g) corporals, and (h) privates, between (i) 1969 and 1979 and (ii) 1979 and 1989.
40W
Table 1 Intake to United Kingdom Regular Forces from civilian life Males Females Total number Total Officers Servicemen Total Officers Servicewomen All Services 1971–72 55,454 48,876 2,378 46,498 6,578 392 6,186 1972–73 46,324 41,007 1,989 39,018 5,317 359 4,958 1973–74 32,433 27,722 1,921 25,801 4,711 316 4,395 1974–75 42,236 36,852 1,890 34,962 5,384 273 5,111 1975–76 46,906 41,686 1,882 39,804 5,220 253 4,967 1976–77 40,244 36,390 2,007 34,383 3,854 320 3,534 1977–78 38,237 34,188 1,957 32,231 4,049 297 3,752
§ Mr. Archie Hamilton[holding answer 2 July 1990]: The military salary in its current form was not introduced until 1970 and it would not therefore be realistic to provide comparisons from before that date. Comparisons for the two 10-year periods commencing with the financial year 1970–71 are therefore provided.
The real changes in rates of pay were:
Financial year 1970–71 to
financial year
1979–80
per cent.
Financial year 1979–80 to
financial year
1988–89
per cent.
Field Marshal -24.3 + 86.4 Major General -30.5 +44.5 Colonel -12.1 +29.7 Captain -4.8 +21.9 2nd Lieutenant -13.6 +13.1 Sergeant +9.0 11.9 Corporal +10.7 +9.0 Private +11.0 -4.0 Government expenditure on military salaries for the corresponding periods showed a drop of 2.8 per cent. in real terms between financial year 1970–71 and financial year 1979–80 and an increase of 13.4 per cent. in real terms between financial year 1979–80 and financial year 1988–89.