HC Deb 02 November 1932 vol 269 cc1788-90
54. Mr. HICKS

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the various grades and wages that will be paid to the new corps of custodians to be employed in the Houses of Parliament?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The grades and rates of remuneration of the new custodian staff will be as follow:

  • 1 Superintendent—£300 per annum.
  • 3 Inspectors—£200 per annum.
  • 1 Assistant Inspector (for night duties)—£3 10s. per week.
  • 40 Custodians—£3 per week.
In addition, the staff will receive a free issue of uniform.

55. Mr. HICKS

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether persons appointed to the staff of custodians of the Palace of Westminster who are in receipt of pensions will be subject to the rule of the Civil Service that their pay and pension on the new appointment shall not exceed the pay received prior to being pensioned?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The provisions of the Superannuation Acts which the hon. Member apparently has in mind apply only to Civil Service pensioners reemployed in public departments. They do not apply to police pensioners or to naval, military or air force pensioners.

Mr. HICKS

Am I to understand that pensions are taken into consideration in arriving at the amount of wages to be paid to these men?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The wages are paid upon merits.

Mr. HICKS

And independent entirely of the question of pensions? Do I understand that it would be possible for pension and wages to exceed the amount previously paid under the existing scheme?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I prefer that my hon. Friend should put down that question.

Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

Is it possible, in the.new corps, for wages to be paid to a man who has a pension?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Yes, Sir. I have indicated that fact in my answer.

Mr. GRENFELL

Will it in fact be the case that they will be drawing pensions?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

When my hoc. Friend asks that question—I asked him to give me notice—I shall be only too happy to answer it.