HC Deb 24 March 1865 vol 178 cc266-8

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clause 1.

LORD JOHN BROWNE moved an Amendment to include clerks of Unions among the officers who might be superannuated.

LORD NAAS

said, he was in favour of the principle of the Bill, but he doubted the prudence of the Amendment, as he thought that the only officers of unions who should be superannuated were those who devoted their whole time to union affairs.

COLONEL DICKSON

said, he agreed with the Amendment, adding that he had, in fact, himself given notice of an Amendment of a similar nature, but somewhat wider in its operation, as it included among officers to be superannuated the union doctors, who were a most meritorious class of men.

SIR EDWARD GROGAN

hoped the Government would adhere to the clause as it stood, and thus show a due regard for the rights of the ratepayers.

SIR ROBERT PEEL

said, that the interests of the ratepayer must be considered. The effect of the hon. and gallant Member's proposal would be to give superannuation to the poor rate collector, and the chaplain, as well as the doctor and the clerk. He thought the principle of the Bill ought to be adhered to, as stated by the noble Lord opposite.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

MR. HENNESSY moved an Amendment, including the medical officers and the clerks of the unions in the list of those to whom the benefits of the Bill should be extended.

Amendment proposed, in line 11, after the word "officers," to insert the words "including the medical officers and the clerks of unions."—(Mr. Hennessy.)

Question proposed, "That those words be there inserted."

SIR ROBERT PEEL

said, that he could not conscientiously proceed with the Bill if the Amendment of the hon. Member for the King's County were carried, because he never would be a party to to the imposition upon the ratepayers of Ireland of the taxation which it would render necessary. He hoped the Bill would be passed in its present shape.

Question put.

The Committee divided:—Ayes 11; Noes 42: Majority 31.

Clause, as amended, agreed to. Clause 2 agreed to. Clause 3.

COLONEL DICKSON moved an Amendment to the effect that superannuation should be ruled by time of service and not the age of the applicant.

SIR COLMAN O'LOGHLEN

said, the clause, as it stood, was identical with the English law, and therefere those Irish Members who generally expressed so strong a disapprobation of different legislation for the two countries ought to support the clause.

Clause agreed to.

Remaining Clauses agreed to.

House resumed.

Bill reported; as amended, to be considered on Tuesday next.