33. Mr. YOUNGasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that certain collectors of taxes who have been whole-time collectors for from 25 to 30 years and who are between 55 to 60 years of age, and who do not wish to be embodied in the new organisation, are to be dismissed without any compensation for loss of office; and if he will consider amending the scheme to provide that collectors of taxes who are over 55 years of age, and with over 25 years of service, shall have the option of coming into the scheme or receiving compensation for loss of office on the lines laid down in the memorandum?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Elliot)The terms on which compensation will be payable have been agreed with, representatives of the collectors concerned, and it would clearly not be right to reduce the economies which will be effected by the reorganisation by adding to the cost of the agreed compensation scheme. I regret therefore that I cannot see my way to accept my hon. Friend's suggestion.
Mr. YOUNGIn view of the fact that the memorandum stated that in certain cases compensation would be granted, if substantial reasons were given for refusing to enter the new organisation, would my right hon. and gallant Friend not consider it a substantial reason that a man is 55 years of age, and that he has had 29 years' service as a collector?
§ Major ELLIOTI am willing to consider it as long as it does not add to the cost of the scheme.