§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."
§ 5.31 p.m.
§ Mr. FootThis Clause, which is not so controversial, concerns the postponement of the preparation of the register, 1105 and I wonder whether the Parliamentary Secretary could give information about the persons whose duty is to compile the register. Sometimes officials of local authorities do it as part of their duties. In a large number of cases they get an increment of salary for doing it. Their position will be affected by the postponement of the register for the duration of the war. If a man loses this work during his last years of office his superannuation pension is affected, for it is determined with reference to his salary and emoluments during his last five years of service. It would be an unfortunate consequence, which I do not think the House would intend, if, as the result of the postponement of the register, a man should lose some of his superannuation. I gather that there is some question of further legislation before the end of the war on these matters, and I would ask that the position of such persons should be sympathetically considered.
§ 5.32 p.m.
§ Mr. PeakeA deputation from the National Association of Local Government Officers was received at the Home Office on this question. There may be certain people who are rewarded by fees who may suffer to some extent through the register not being prepared next year. Nobody will begin to suffer any loss until, at any rate, April next so that there is time for further consultations to take place.
§ Question, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill" put, and agreed to.
§ Clause 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill.