HC Deb 28 February 1924 vol 170 cc647-50
1. Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will state the number of

Rank. Salary. Pension.
£ £ s. d.
Regional Director … … 975 1,040 0 0
Regional Director … … 900 180 0 0
Regional Director … … 875 1,000 0 0
Regional Director … … 875 285 0 0
Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services … … 875 547 0 0
Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services … … 865 800 0 0
Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services … … 875 600 0 0
Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services … … 1,020 510 0 0
Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services … … 850 600 0 0
Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services … … 850 600 0 0
Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services … … 850 50 0 0
Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services … … 945 80 7 6
Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services … … 1,020 109 10 0
Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services … … 850 400 0 0
Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services … … 925 600 0 0
Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services … … 875 200 0 0
Assistant Commissioner of Medical Services … … 865 800 0 0

persons in the employ of his Department whose salaries range from £500 to £1,000 a year and who, in addition to their salaries, are in receipt of pensions from public funds, and the amount of such pensions; if he will inform the House the nature of the duties that these officials perform; and whether it is possible to substitute for them ex-service officers at present unemployed?

The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Frederick Roberts)

As the answer is rather long, and involving a number of figures, I will circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I may say that the number of officers in question is 31, of whom 21 are associated with the medical services of the Ministry. Of the other officials concerned, one regional director is terminating his engagement on the abolition of his region, and the progress of the re-arrangement which I have in contemplation will further reduce the list.

The following are the details promised:

As far as I am aware, the following is a complete list of persons in the employ of the Ministry with salaries of £500 to £1,000 a year who are also in receipt of pensions, other than purely disability pensions, from public funds. The nature of their duties is indicated in the title of their posts, all but nine of them being medical officers. The number of these officers is being steadily reduced so far as is consistent with the requirements of my Department for officers experienced in pensions administration.

Rank. Salary. Pension.
£ £ s. d.
Hospital Superintendent 800 396 0 0
Hospital Superintendent 600 600 0 0
Hospital Superintendent 800 540 0 0
Hospital Superintendent 1,000 396 0 0
Hospital Superintendent 900 600 0 0
Hospital Superintendent 800 800 0 0
Senior Medical Officer 700 42 0 0
Senior Medical Officer 700 109 10 0
Pathologist 600 600 0 0
Temporary Official in charge of Medical Appliances and Artificial Limbs Section. 510 324 0 0
Temporary Official in charge of Medical Stores 558 558 0 0
Regional Awards Officer 727 175 0 0
Navy Awards Officer 550 210 0 0
Chief Area Officer 536 85 16 0
19. Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

asked the Minister of Pensions what terms have been offered to the men under notice of discharge from the Pensions Ministry in Scotland; whether they have been offered alternative employment in London; whether, if so, this offer has been accompanied by any promise of continuity of employment; whether any grant has been promised towards the cost of removal to London; and what is the average present wage of the men in question?

Mr. ROBERTS

The temporary clerks referred to have been given two months' notice of the termination of their appointment. No definite offer of alternative employment in London has been made, but to enable the question to be properly considered the men affected have been asked whether they are desirous of transfer of 20 of them have intimated a desire for transfer. Every effort will be made to meet their wishes, preference being given to efficient disabled men. Having regard to the fall in the volume of work in the Ministry, it is not possible to give any promise of continuity of employment. The average wage is approximately 60s. a week.

Captain BENN

Does the hon. Gentleman expect these men to move to London on a wage of 60s. per week without the Department making any provision for the transfer?

Mr. ROBERTS

We do not expect that, and every care will be exercised if a transfer takes place.

Captain BENN

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the question of making a transfer allowance?

Mr. ROBERTS

No, Sir. I did not say that. I said that every care would be exercised.

Captain BENN

That is not the same thing.

Colonel ASHLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider this question in view of the fact that it is obviously impossible for a man getting 60s. a week to transfer his wife and children to London?

Mr. ROBERTS

I shall be very glad to go into this matter, and consider it sympathetically, if possible.