To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average pay for a sergeant in the British Army was in 2005-06. (106889)

In 2005-06, the basic pay for a sergeant in the British Army ranged between £25,973 and £31,956, depending on the seniority and the trade of the individual concerned. In addition to their basic pay, Sergeants may also receive specialist pay and allowances (eg Parachute Pay and Longer Separated Service Allowance) provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has made an assessment of the pay and conditions of members of the armed services of each NATO country undertaking joint operations. (106890)

The independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB) commissioned research for its 2002 report into the military remuneration packages offered by 10 Commonwealth and NATO countries (including USA, Australia, Canada and France). This indicated that none of the countries surveyed provided a more generous package across-the-board. The research took account of basic pay, including relevant tax arrangements, allowances for operations, the disadvantages of military life, pension arrangements, accommodation charges, annual and other leave.

The AFPRB repeated the research for their 2005 report and concluded that the UK package remains broadly comparable with that offered by other nations. Data were provided on 12 countries.

Australia

Austria

Canada

Denmark

France

Germany

Ireland

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Spain

USA

Of these, only Canada offers higher base pay for certain ranks. When the total package was considered the UK was slightly less favourable than Australia and France, broadly in line with most ranks in Ireland, the USA and Canada and ahead of the other seven countries.