§ 15. Captain PLUGGEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the anomaly that whereas service pensioners employed in His Majesty's dockyards and naval establishments are permitted to retain their pensions in addition to their wages, civil pensioners are prohibited by law from receiving in reemployed pay and pension more than the amount of their wages at the time of being pensioned; and whether he will arrange to review this matter with a view to establishing more equitable procedure?
Mr. LINDSAYI am well aware of the situation, but I would point out that service pensions and civil pensions are awarded on an entirely different basis and are not comparable. No legislation can be introduced without affecting the whole Civil Service.
§ Captain PLUGGEDoes not the hon. Member consider that a man who has earned his pension should be entitled to continue to have it until the end of his days, and that it should not be withdrawn upon his being employed?
Mr. LINDSAYI think the position is somewhat different in the case of service pensions. There have been a limited number of civil pensioners brought back recently. It is not, however, the usual custom in dockyards to bring back these pensioners.