HC Deb 14 April 1885 vol 296 cc1628-9
MR. HEALY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in view of the order for the amalgamation of Newport Union with Westport from 29th September next, it is proposed that the Newport officers should receive no allowance or compensation upon abolition of office, Can he refer to any instance where civil servants whose offices have been abolished have been so harshly treated; and, whether, in view of the Poor Law Act, 1 and 2 Vic, c. 56, ss. 16 and 33, it is competent to dismiss these officers without superannuation or compensation; and, if so, will any legislative steps be taken to prevent such hardship?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

The Local Government Board have been advised that the officers of the Newport Union cannot, either by statute or at Common Law, be granted allowances or compensation on the abolition of their offices, which is involved in the amalgamation of that Union with Westport. It would, however, appear reasonable that some compensation should be given; and a clause to the effect might very properly be inserted in the Union Officers Superannuation Bill, which has long been under the consideration of Parliament, and which the Government would be prepared to introduce if there was any prospect of the opposition being abandoned which has hitherto obstructed its progress.

MR. HEALY

Might I ask whether this, being, as the right hon. Gentleman says, a hard case, and there being no prospect, as he says, of the Bill he refers to being passed, the Government will introduce a short Bill dealing with the matter, which, of course, would receive general assent?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I did not say that there was no chance that the Bill would pass.

MR. HEALY

There is not a ghost of a chance.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

But if there was any indication that opposition would not be offered to it the Bill would be introduced.

MR. HEALY

gave Notice that unless a short Bill dealing with this case of exceptional hardship affecting 20 officers was introduced he would call attention to the matter very strongly on the Vote for the Local Government Board.