§ Mr. David MartinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the pay and allowances for servicemen deployed to the Gulf.
§ Mr. Tom KingThe basic pay of service personnel remains the same wherever they are stationed and includes an X-factor, currently 10.5 per cent. for men and 9.5 per cent. for women, which recognises the disadvantages of service life, including the liability to serve in difficult and dangerous conditions. Entitlement to allowances and liability to charges varies according to individual circumstances.
The effect of this for those deploying to the Gulf is that the great majority of service personnel will in fact receive more in their pay packets. However, there are some for whom the changes would result in a possible loss. I have therefore decided that there should be an abatement to part of the charges paid by married personnel from Germany and from other overseas locations while they are serving in the Gulf. This will benefit most of those otherwise adversely affected. In addition, I have instructed that arrangements be made to recompense any individual who would still otherwise experience a net reduction in pay and allowances.
These measures are intended to fulfil my assurance that no one would suffer financially as a result of service in the Gulf.