§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much money has been paid in redundancy payments to members of the British armed forces in each of the last three years.
§ Mr. HanleyThe current redundancy programme began in financial year 1992–93. In that year a total of some £97,000,000 was spent on special capital payments. In the current year it is estimated that some £281,000,000 will be spent. In addition personnel who have served for 12 years or more are eligible for an immediate pension and terminal grant-for those with less than 12 years service these are preserved until age of 60. These payments would be made whether the individual left on redundancy or at the end of their agreed service. Expenditure on pension, terminal grants and commutation of pension was some £135,000,000 in 1992–93 and is estimated to be £247,000,000 for 1993–94.