HC Deb 19 November 1942 vol 385 c513
90. Mr. Naylor

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Wimbledon Borough Council has decided to pay the electrical engineer of the borough, after 13 years' contributing service, a retiring pension of £2,426 per annum, to take effect in February, 1943; whether he is satisfied that the rate of pension conforms to the Ministry's directions on economy in local government expenditure; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Mr. E. Brown

My attention has been drawn to this case. On the facts stated I should certainly not regard the rate of pension as consonant with the principles of economy which should be specially present to the minds of local authorities under existing conditions, but I have no power to enforce observance of those principles in a matter on which the statute specifically confers an unfettered discretion upon local authorities.

Mr. Naylor

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the two periods of service in Manchester and in London were separated by three years of private practice, and that this officer has been given permission to engage in private practice during his term of office, and will probably do so, and—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member's Supplementary Question is too long.