HC Deb 05 June 1931 vol 253 cc582-3
Mr. W. ADAMSON

I beg to move, in page 5, line 7, after the word "salaries" to insert the word "or."

This and the next five Amendments are drafting, consequential on the insertion of a new Sub-section in Clause 1.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made; In page 5, line 8, leave out the words "superannuation allowances or gratuities."—[Mr. W. Adamson.]

Mr. ADAMSON

I beg to move, in page 5, line 9, to leave out the words "or to their legal representatives."

Sir J. GILMOUR

I understand that these are all consequential on alterations that we have made in the first Clause, but I have not been able to find any reference to legal representatives. I do not query the necessity for cutting these words out, but I am a little anxious as to why, when the Government put this in the original Bill, it should be cut out at this time. I do not press the matter, but I could not understand why it had been taken out.

The LORD ADVOCATE

The explanation is quite simple. By the Amendment which the House has accepted to-day we have incorporated the provisions of the Local Government and other Officers Superannuation Act, 1922. Accordingly, as a matter of drafting, the words should not have been inserted.

Sir J. GILMOUR

I quite accept that, but, as I understood the right hon. Gentleman's explanation, the Superannuation Act did not operate in a great many cases, and, therefore, the in- dividuals concerned, when they come to claim their rights, will, as I understand it, be debarred. I am anxious to see that no unfairness should be done to an individual who may have to bring a case for his own protection. It may be that, undr the rules to be made by the Secretary of State, there may be some method of dealing with the problem, but, obviously, if the fact that we are putting in the Act of 1922 is the reason why this is being dropped out, and equally that Act will not run in a great many cases, what is going to be the position of the private individual who has to take proceedings for recovery? I am only anxious that the point should be considered and, if necessary, some amendment may be made at a further stage of the Bill.

The LORD ADVOCATE

We will con-eider the point between now and the further stages of the Bill.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made: In page 5, line 18, leave out the word "area," and insert instead thereof the word "areas."

In line 28, after the word "on," insert the word "A".

In line 28, leave out the word "under," and insert instead thereof the words "order containing."—[Mr. W. Adam-son.]