§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current level of submarine allowance; what changes he plans to make; and if he will make a statement. [34016]
§ Mr. SoamesSubmarine pay is paid to assist in the recruitment and retention of suitable naval personnel into the submarine service. The levels of submarine pay for 1995–96 are between £8.41 and £13.54 per day, depending on rank and responsibilities, for active submarine service. An additional £5.59 or £8.21 per day is paid to senior rate nuclear propulsion watchkeepers. A reserve band of between £8.05 and £10.72 per day is paid to submariners who have a continuing liability for submarine service after three years in a shore appointment. As I announced on 26 June,Official Report, column 503, my Department is studying the recommendations of the independent review of service career and manpower structures and terms of service, which included a recommendation that a number of additional pay items, including submarine pay, should be assimilated into the basic pay structure. I shall keep the House informed of progress.