HC Deb 11 December 1919 vol 122 cc1768-9

The power of the Lord Lieutenant to fix the amount of the salaries to be paid to Petty Sessions clerks as defined in the Petty Sessions Clerks (Ireland) Act, 1681, shall include power to Brant increases of salaries to take effect for such time and to be reckoned for superannua- tion purposes in such circumstances and to such extent only as may be directed by the Lord Lieutenant, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section one or Section five of the said Act.—[Mr. Henry.]

Brought up, and read the first time.

Mr. HENRY

I beg to move, "That the Clause be read a second time."

We have in Ireland a number of very deserving Gentlemen known as Petty Sessions clerks, who correspond to the clerks of justices in England. They have very small salaries, and it is desired to give them a larger salary, but, owing to the fact that there is a provision in an Act of Parliament of 1881 that if you once raise their salaries you can never reduce them it is impossible to give them a bonus unless it becomes permanent, and my Clause will enable the Lord Lieutenant to give them a bonus, and if we arrive at happier times they will come back to the old salary.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clause, accordingly read a second time, and added to the Bill.

Bill reported; as amended, considered; read the third time, and passed.