asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will consider an increase in the pay of the Armed Forces in the light of the relativity report.

The pay of the Armed Forces is currently under review by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, which seeks to ensure that Service pay is and remains fair in relation to pay in other walks of life. We expect that the new rates of pay resulting from the review will be effective from 1st April.

Can my hon. Friend name any group that deserve more than do Service men on the score of value of their work to the nation? On the subject of danger and unsocial hours, can he name any job that compares with patrolling the Bogside at midnight on Saturday or standing on the bridge of a coastal minesweeper in a Channel gale?

I share my hon. and gallant Friend's admiration for the way in which our Armed Forces are carrying out their duties in so many difficult areas. The activities of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body are designed to take account of those factors. I am confident that that is what it will be able to do.

Is not the best way to assist a seaman facing a gale in the Channel to reintroduce the rum ration?

If the hon. Gentleman cares to table a Question on that topic, I am sure that my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy will be prepared to answer it.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.