HC Deb 15 December 1938 vol 342 cc2169-70
55. Mr. Kirby

asked the Minister of Health whether the Liverpool City Council have yet prepared a scheme of superannuation within the terms of the Local Government Superannuation Act, 1937; and will he, when considering such scheme for approval, endeavour to include workmen as well as officers in the employ of the council?

Mr. Elliot

The Local Government Superannuation Act, 1937, applies to the Liverpool City Council and no scheme is required for the purpose of securing superannuation benefits under the Act to any employè. The question whether servants or any class of servants should be made superannuable is one entirely within the discretion of the council.

Mr. Kirby

Is it not a fact that the scheme will have to be approved by the Minister, and if that be so, will he take notice of the latter part of the question and use his influence in favour of the workmen in the employ of the council?

Mr. Logan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a differentiation, and that some men are classified for pensions and some are not, though they are in the same category and have the same status?

Mr. Elliot

That is a matter within the responsibility of the local authority, and not within the discretion of the Minister.

Mr. Logan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the council differentiates between two men of equal status, and classify one as a workman and the other as a servant?

Mr. Elliot

If they did anything illegal, of course I could not approve of it, but these matters are in general within the discretion of the council.