§ 38. Captain HACKINGasked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give the reference and terms of the Order in Council under which Sir William Wilkinson, late Consul-General at Hankow, could be, and was, called upon to retire at the age of sixty years?
§ Sir HAMAR GREENWOODSir William Wilkinson was not called upon to retire under the terms of any Order in Council. All servants of the Crown, civil as well as military, except in cases where it is otherwise provided by law, hold their offices only during the pleasure of the Crown. There are no provisions of the law excepting the Consular Service from this general rule. The Secretary of State, acting on behalf of His Majesty, has the power to call upon a Consular officer to retire at any time.
§ Captain HACKINGIs there any security of office for the Civil servant who is under the age limit and who is efficient?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODCertainly! There is no service in the world more secure than that of Consuls and other Civil servants.
§ Captain HACKINGWhat is the security if the man is under sixty years of age and efficient?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have answered that.
Mr. G. MURRAYDo these gentlemen come under the Pensions Act?