HC Deb 30 July 1937 vol 326 cc3507-8
25. Mr. Guy

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what occasion agreement was reached between the Treasury and the Association of Ex-Service Civil Servants on the point that unestablished service should not reckon for pension?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)

An agreement was concluded between the Treasury and the Association of Ex-Service Civil Servants on 20th January, 1925, as an agreed final settlement of the claims to permanent employment in the Civil Service of ex-service men temporarily employed, which, as my right hon. Friend pointed out in his reply on 27th July to the hon. Member for Ince (Mr. G. Macdonald), involved acceptance of the conditions of establishment in force at the time.

Mr. Guy

Is it not the case that the agreement of 1932 expressed disagreement on this question, and is there not a new feature in the Superannuation Act, 1935, which provides for counting half temporary service for superannuation in future?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I cannot agree with my hon. Friend in the point that he put. I would point out that the decision announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer was the result of very careful and sympathetic consideration and that this matter has been reviewed by various Governments. A very large number of ex-service civil servants have been established in the last few years.

Mr. Guy

Does not the Act of 1935 introduce a new feature and lay down a new rule?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

indicated dissent.