HC Deb 18 July 1923 vol 166 cc2302-3
42. Mr. HAYDAY

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that an employé in a fever hospital pays for superannuation under the provisions of the Poor Law Officers Act; that if for any reason the employé is transferred to a mental hospital, even if it is controlled by the same authority, he comes under the Asylum Officers Act for superannuation purposes; that as there are no provisions in either Act for transfer value the employé loses credit for all the payments he made under the Poor Law Officers Act, although, if he were dismissed, instead of transferred, he would get his payments returned; and whether he will take action to bring these two Acts into conformity with the provisions of the Local Government and other Officers Superannuation Act, 1922?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am aware of the difficulty to which the hon. Member refers, but I am afraid I cannot promise to introduce legislation dealing with the matter at the present time.

Mr. HAYDAY

Has not the right hon. Gentleman some power to carry some revenue to the credit of a person so transferred without having to lose all his contributions and benefits under the Superannuation Act?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

There is no such power at present. It would require further legislation.

Mr. HAYDAY

Could not the local authority arrange with the right hon. Gentleman to meet such a set of circumstances?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I understand that when a person is transferred by direction of the Board he does transfer his benefits with him, but not if he gives notice himself.

Mr. HAYDAY

The right hon. Gentleman will realise that if a person is discharged he would have refunded to him all the payments, but by being transferred he loses all his years of payment?