§ MR. FREDERICK WILSON () Norfolk, MidTo ask the President of the Local Government Board if he will state on what ground the Local Government Board raised the value of the emoluments of the late master of Forehoe Union (after he had quitted the employment of the Guardians at the end of two and a half years' service) for the purpose of raising his pension under the Superannuation Act, thereby throwing an increased burden on the ratepayers of the union.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) In this case a question arose between the Guardians and the late master of the workhouse as to the annual value of the emoluments of his office for the purposes of the superannuation allowance to which he was entitled under the Poor Law Officers' Superannuation Act, 1896, and the matter was referred to the Local Government Board for decision. The Guardians estimated the yearly value at £32 10s., and the officer at £53 15s. It appeared to the Local Government Board that the correct value was £46 5s. per annum, and they decided accordingly. As, however, the amount which had been annually deducted from the late master's salary as a contribution for the purposes of the Act in respect of his emoluments had been based upon the Guardians' estimate, the Board considered that the officer ought to pay to the Guardians the difference, between the amount which would have been deducted had the value of the emoluments been calculated on the sum of £46 5s. and that which was actually deducted. They 1626 informed the parties that their decision was given on the understanding that this would be done.