§ [THIRD READING]
§ Order for Third Reading read.
§ Motion made, and question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."
§ MR. CALDWELL (Lanarkshire, Mid)rose to oppose the Bill. He said that when the Friendly Societies Bill was passed through the House practically unanimously, the House admitted the principle that the incomes derived from contributions to thrifty and other societies should not be considered by boards of guardians when they came to administer outdoor relief. But they could not stop at the case of the friendly 830 societies; why should not pensioners from the Army and Navy be treated on the same footing. This Bill was therefore a necessary corollary to the other. But since the latter was passed a change had come over the scene. The Friendly Societies Bill had been rejected by the House of Lords, and one reason for passing this Bill had disappeared. He held that if the Government intended to give effect to legislation of this kind it should deal with it by means of a general Bill. This Bill carried with it its own condemnation. The pension of a soldier or a sailor ought to be sufficient to secure him a decent existence as a pensioner. Let them compare the military and naval with the police pensions.
§ And, it being half-past Five of the clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
§ Debate to be resumed upon Tuesday next.