§ Mr. Chris DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to extend the loyalty bonus scheme to the Royal Logistics Corps; and if he will make a statement. [30486]
§ Mr. SoamesThe bonus referred to is, in fact, known as the retention bonus. The scheme is open to soldiers in the Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Artillery and Infantry, where the most serious manpower shortages currently exist. There are no plans at present to extend the retention 239W bonus scheme to any other corps, although the possibility of doing so in future is being examined. The retention bonus is one of a number of measures which have been taken to improve recruitment and retention.
§ Mr. DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the amounts paid out in loyalty bonuses to soldiers since the introduction of the new bonus scheme on 1 October 1995. [30487]
§ Mr. SoamesThe total amount of retention bonuses paid to soldiers between 1 October 1995, when the scheme was introduced, and 31 March 1996 was £2,248,000.