§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the new scheme of the Superannuation Bill is based on any actuarial calculation as to the average expectation of life of such existing Civil servants as elect to come under the scheme; if the calculation is based on such an estimated average life, what is the necessity for a medical test of each candidate for admission to the scheme; and whether it is intended to refuse admission to candidates whose lives are not good lives from an insurance point of view?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe proposals as regards existing Civil servants are based on the assumption that those electing to adopt the new scheme are in average good health.
§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the question?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEYes; it is intended to exclude those who cannot pass a reasonable test.
§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONIs this scheme based upon actuarial calculations, and, if so, how does he defend it from the point of view of justice in excluding these people?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter of debate.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIs it intended that they should submit to an examination?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSECertificates will be required from the heads of Departments. In accordance with the draft regulations before the House, which to some extent I mean to modify, all persons will have to submit a statement from the head of their Department who are beyond a certain age.
§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONI shall call attention to the matter.