MR. ALDEX (Middlesex, Tottenham)To ask the Secretary to the i Treasury -whether retired employees of the Lighting and Ventilating Department are receiving pensions under a scheme which was formerly in existence: and, if so, would he consider the advisability of restoring this system of pensions in considerate n of long service and good conduct, taking into account the fact that some members of the present staff have been connected with this Government Department for over twenty years, while in one case a workman has been employed for forty-five years.
(Answered by Mr. McKenna.) Pensions were granted to persons appointed before the passing of the Superannuation Act of 1859. Those appointed after that date are employed on a non-pensionable footing, without certificates from the Civil Service Commissioners. They are excluded from pension by the terms of Section 17 of the Superannuation Act of 1859, but gratuities may be granted to them under Section 4 of the Superannuation Act of 1887.