§ 57. Mr. HAYESasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the Commissioners referred to in the Central Criminal Court Act, 1834, have not power to formulate a scheme for superannuation of the officers of the Central Criminal Court; whether it is within the knowledge of His Majesty's Government that the Commissioners caused certain proposed Amendments to the said Act to be drafted, copies of which were submitted to the Lord Chancellor and to the London County Council for consideration and reconsideration; and, in view of the fact that about four years have elapsed since the proposals were first drafted, will His Majesty's Government take such action as will enable the officers of the 2614 said Court to participate in a scheme of superannuation at an early date?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Douglas Hogg)I have been asked to reply. Proposals have from time to time been made for the establishment of a pension scheme for the officers of the Central Criminal Court. It would appear that, any such proposals would require the approval of Parliament, and it is desirable that before a Bill for this purpose is submitted the previous agreement of the parties concerned (that is, the Corporation of the City of London, the London County Council, and the other county councils contributing to the expense of the Central Criminal Court) should first be obtained. Efforts have been made to bring about such an agreement, but hitherto without success.
§ Mr. HAYESMay I ask the Attorney-General whether he cannot use his persuasive powers to induce the parties to come to an agreement, in view of the fact that the Central Criminal Court is the premier assize court in the country?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALThat is a matter which does not rest with me but with my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor. I understand that his Department has been doing its best to produce some agreement.