§ 45. Major HERBERT EVANSasked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the present system under which retiring allowances, pensions, superannuation, and gratuities in respect of employment in naval, military, air, and civil services are administered by several Departments 2244 involves overlapping and excessive cost, he will refer the question of centralisation in one Department to a Select Committee for report?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)My right hon. Friend does not think it is the case that the present system involves overlapping and excessive cost, and he agrees with the conclusion reached by his predecessor that there would be no real advantage and serious disadvantages in the suggested centralisation. In these circumstances he does not think it is necessary to refer the matter to a Select Committee as my hon. and gallant Friend suggest.