§ 25. Mr. AMMONasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the case of John William Hammond, a head postman employed at Kilburn, who was recently convicted at the Marylebone Police Court for stealing a 10s. note; is he aware that the man was 60 years of age and had 39 years' service in the Post Office; that as a result of his conviction Hammond's wife died from shock; that he was deprived of a gratuity of £390 and a pension of £2 15s. per week; and, seeing that such gratuity and pension were in the nature of deferred pay and should not be withheld on account of the police court proceedings, he will inquire into this case?
§ Viscount WOLMERThis case has been brought to my notice. I am having inquiry made into it, and will communicate further with the hon. Member. He is no doubt aware that the question of the award of pension or gratuity to any civil servant is a matter dealt with by the Treasury in accordance with the general Regulations applicable to the Civil Service under the Superannuation Acts.
§ Mr. AMMONWill the Noble Lord submit to the Treasury that if a pension is in the nature of deferred pay, it should be inviolate?
§ Viscount WOLMERAll relevant considerations in this case will be borne in mind.
§ Colonel DAYWill the Noble Lord have a public inquiry, because it interests a large number of other Members besides the hon. Member for Camberwell?
§ Viscount WOLMERI cannot make a promise of that character.