Written question asked by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour) on Monday, 3 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 March 2003. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Thursday, 6 March 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the (a) allowances and (b) enhanced pay paid to reservists were last increased.

Answer: Mr. Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the (a) allowances and (b) enhanced pay paid to reservists were last increased. [101232] Dr. Moonie: Pay levels for members of the armed forces (including the reserve forces) are set by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB), whose annual report was published on 7 February 2003. A copy is available in the Library of the House. Its recommendations have been accepted in full, and will come into force on 1 April with the exception of the changes to Longer Separated Service Allowance (LSSA) and Longer Service at Sea Bonus (LSSB), which were implemented on 1 March. Those allowances not set by the AFPRB are reviewed biannually by the Ministry of Defence, with changes usually coming into effect in August. When called out into permanent service, reservists receive the same basic pay and allowances as their regular counterparts. In addition, members of the reserve forces whose civilian earnings are greater than their military pay may claim financial assistance under regulations set out in the Reserve Forces (Call-Out and Recall) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 1997 (Statutory Instrument 1997/309).

Secondary information