§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the current levels of pay for both the highest and lowest paid service personnel; what were the rates in real terms in May 1979; and if he will make a statement. [22608]
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§ Mr. SoamesThe rates of pay for the highest and lowest paid personnel for May 1979 and April 1996 are as follows:
In the period since, the retail prices index, which is the recognised comparator for real-terms pay increases, has increased by 177.9 per cent. Meanwhile, pay for the most senior officer has risen by 399.8 per cent. whereas pay for junior service personnel has increased by 207.9 per cent. These figures indicate that all service personnel, including junior entrants who have yet to attain adult status, are now better off when compared with the RPI, than they were in 1979.
May 1979 1 April 1996 Five-star (Field Marshal etc.) 24,936.00 124,640.20 Junior entrant (under 17) 1,766.60 5,438.50