§ 63. Mr. John Dugdaleasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is 214 aware of the hardship caused to Lieutenant R. C. Murdie owing to the refusal of the Berwickshire County Council to pay either superannuation contributions or Military Service allowance to him in spite of the understanding reached between the Edinburgh and Berwickshire councils on this matter; and whether he will take steps to see that this officer who has been serving in the Army since the outbreak of war is no longer penalised in this way?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)For the period of this officer's war service prior to August, 1940, when his war service pay was lower than his civil pay would have been, the question of supplementation was one for the discretion of the Local Authority, and I have no powers of interference or compulsion in the matter. I understand that since August, 1940, Lieut. Murdie's war service pay has been greater than his civil pay and no question of a supplement therefore arises. His pension rights are secured. I have no information as to the understanding between the Edinburgh and Berwick Councils referred to in the hon. Member's Question.