Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 5 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 June 2003. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Monday, 9 June 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if (a) medical reservists and (b) non-medical reservists in the Gulf are receiving compensation equal to their civilian salaries; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if (a) medical reservists and (b) non-medical reservists in the Gulf are receiving compensation equal to their civilian salaries; and if he will make a statement. [118191] Dr. Moonie: Under the provisions of the Reserve Forces Act 1996, any Reservists whose military salary is less than their civilian earnings may apply for financial assistance. This consists of a Standard Award that is calculated on the difference between civilian and military salaries. The amount that may be awarded is limited within set bands related to rank and specialism. If a Standard Award is insufficient to avert serious financial difficulties, a Reservist can also apply for a Hardship Award to cover essential outgoings such as mortgage repayments, school fees, child care costs etc. Hardship Awards are calculated on essential expenditure rather than actual earnings and there is no financial limit on the amount that may be awarded. The regulations governing financial assistance for Reservists are contained in Statutory Instrument 309 of 1997 ("The Reserve Forces (Call-Out and Recall) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 1997"), and are currently under review.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 118191; 406 c651-2W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Compensation Armed forces Health services Finance Iraq Pay Reserve forces Iraq conflict
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk