HC Deb 28 March 1912 vol 36 cc590-1
Captain O'NEILL

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the evidence of Dr. Nolan in July last before the Select Committee on the Asylums Officers (Employment, Pensions, and Superannuation) Bill, on the subject of the Ballymena Asylum, in which he states that, although this institution is not an auxiliary asylum within the meaning of Acts of Parliament, the hours and duties are practically the same as in other asylums in Ireland, and that the attendants have a just claim to come within the scope of the Asylums Bill now before Parliament; and, owing to the fact that this is the only asylum in Ireland in which the attendants are appointed by the board of guardians instead of by the Asylums Committee, and that an appeal on their behalf was signed by influential residents of all political opinions in the district will he state whether he will arrange to bring this asylum within the scope of the Bill, or by what means he will adjust its admitted disabilities?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have seen the evidence of Doctor Nolan referred to. The Ballymena Institution is not an asylum within the meaning of the Lunatic Asylum Acts, but a workhouse, and the attendants are appointed by the board of guardians. Attendants in such institutions are pensionable under the Union Officers Superannuation Acts, and I see no reason to differentiate between them and other workhouse attendants in this respect. I would further remind the hon. Member that the Bill in question is not a Government measure.

Captain O'NEILL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether we are to understand that these attendants' grievances cannot be remedied although this is the only asylum so situated in the whole of Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

It is rather difficult to say. These persons are workhouse officials and are pensionable under the Union Officers Superannuation Acts, and to take them out of these Acts would obviously not be a just or desirable thing to do. But, at all events, the Bill now before the House is not a Government measure.

Captain O'NEILL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the pensions of these officers under the Union Officers Acts would not be very much less advantageous than under the Asylums Bill?

Mr. BIRRELL

That is so.

Viscount WOLMER

Would the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Prime Minister in favour of this Bill?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, I do not think in the present state of affairs I could do so.