§ 27. Mr. McENTEEasked the Postmaster-General if he will state the number of men now drawing pensions, having reached the age limit, in his Department, in the following grades: postmen, counter hands, telegraphists, and 792 telephonists; what is the minimum and the maximum pension based on years of service that can be drawn by each grade; whether men in the same grade and with equal service in the London district and in provincial districts are entitled to equal pensions; and, if not, on what principle is the difference calculated?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Kingsley Wood)I regret that there are no records available which would readily show the number of men in the grades specified drawing pensions after retirement on account of age, and very considerable time and expense would be involved in working out the figures. The standard rate of pension that may be awarded to a man in any grade is one-eightieth of his emoluments at the time of his retirement for each year of pensionable service. The minimum is ten-eightieths and the maximum forty-eightieths of such emoluments. As the scales of pay in London are generally speaking higher than those in the provinces, the pension of a London man would in ordinary course be higher than that of a provincial man of corresponding rank and service.
§ Mr. McENTEEIn view of the fact that members of the fighting services and the police are paid equal pensions irrespective of where they live, will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to introduce a similar provision in the Post Office?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is another matter.