§ 87. Sir JAMES REMNANTasked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to say if the War bonus in the case of the police, as has been allowed by a decision of the House of Lords in the case of Poor Law officers, can be reckoned as part of the annual pay and pensionable?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have now received the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown to the effect that this claim is one which, on a true construction of the relevant Statutes and decisions of the Courts, cannot be allowed.
§ Sir J. REMNANTWill the right hon. Gentleman state, the reason why there is this distinction between some civil servants and others?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am afraid I am far too inferior a person to question the decision of the Law Officers to whom I referred this matter.
§ Sir J. REMNANTMay I have a copy of their opinion?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI will consider that. I will consult about it.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHADoes the right hon. Gentleman dispute the fact that this question has been settled once and for all in the House of Lords, and that the principle is of general application to all Government servants?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo; the hon. Member must take the answer I have given. I referred the point to the Law Officers, and it is their view that, on a true construction of the relevant Statutes and decisions of the Courts, including the decision to which the hon. Member refers, the claim cannot be allowed.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWill they have to bring a Petition of Right in order to establish their claim?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThey probably could do so, but if the Attorney-General be right, a Petition of Right would fail.