HC Deb 21 July 1915 vol 73 cc1608-9

Resolution reported, That it is expedient to authorise the payment out of the Consolidated Fund and of moneys provided by Parliament of Superannuation Allowances to Metropolitan Police Magistrates, the Dublin Divisional Justices, and the Stipendiary Magistrates for Chatham and Sheerness, and to amend the Law in respect thereof.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."

Mr. KING

I asked for some explanation yesterday on the Committee stage in regard to this matter, but I did not get a very satisfactory answer. I want to ask again whether this is an emergency matter, or is it a matter which has nothing whatever to do with the War or with affairs arising out of the War? I wish to know, further, whether, under the Bill to which this Resolution refers, these stipendiary magistrates will receive pensions which they were not expecting when they took office, and whether in fact it is not adding to the expenses of the country in an unexpected way? If that is so, I believe it would not be approved by the House.

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME OFFICE (Mr. Brace)

My hon. Friend will have a full opportunity on the Second Reading of the Bill to raise any of these matters. All that this Bill proposes to do is to continue what has been the practice relative to the Metropolitan police magistrates. I hope that after that explanation the hon. Member will be satisfied.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill ordered to be brought in upon the said Resolution by Sir John Simon, Mr. Montagu, and Mr. Brace.

    c1609
  1. POLICE MAGISTRATES (SUPERANNUATION) BILL. 48 words