asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the present estimated weekly cost of maintaining a soldier on active service.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soldier's Maintenance Cost.
It is estimated that the present average cost of an unmarried Class III soldier, in respect of ordinary pay, medicines, rations, free travelling, clothing, fuel and light, barrack services and insurance is about £2 1s. 5d. a week. This cost increases according to the soldier's up-grading, additional pay and marriage, and it does not include the cost of medical and chaplaincy services.