TNAG-0538-FCO40-633-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 164

CONFIDENTIAL

3RD DRAFT

Service

1 April-31 December

(9 months)

1973

(Percentage)

1974*

(Percentage)

Royal Navy

35

28

Royal Marines

24

23

Army

38

40

Royal Air Force

13

15

All Services:

33

33

* Estimate

PAY AND PENSIONS

22. In their Third Report (1974), the Armed Forces Pay Review

Body recommended further increases in military salaries, including

an increased rate of the 'X' factor, to take account for the first

time of unsocial hours. The recommendations were implemented with

effect from 1 April 1974. The basic pay of Servicewomen, exclusive

of the 'X' factor, was increased from 95 per cent to 97 per cent

of the rate for men. Other improvements include a new form of

additional pay for Servicemen in Northern Ireland.

23. The second phase of the review of the Armed Forces Pension

Scheme resulted in the introduction, on 1 April 1973, of substantial

improvements in benefits (including widows' pensions), in cases

of invaliding or death, especially when these are attributable to

duty. The third stage of the Pensions Review has now been com-

pleted and the resulting changes will take effect from 1 April 1975.

The main effect is to preserve pension rights for those who will

serve for at least the specified minimum period of five years

V-9

CONFIDENTIAL