HC Deb 10 September 1942 vol 383 cc270-2
14. Sir I. Albery

asked the Minister of Labour why men who have passed from the employment of public authorities to super- annuation in some cases lose the whole of their superannuation allowance if they accept employment under a local authority, even in the Defence services; and whether he will take steps to alter this system which is detrimental to the national effort in wartime?

Mr. Bevin

Where superannuated persons who have been employed by public authorities undertake further employment, the reduction or suspension of their allowance is legally governed by the provisions of the enactment under which the particular pension scheme is administered. Apart from the case which my hon. Friend has brought to my notice, I have no evidence to show that this system deters superannuated persons from offering their services in the war effort.

Sir I. Albery

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this system governs, I believe, all employees of the City of London, to give only one example, and that in the case to which I drew his attention the man is now unoccupied although he is a trained man and would be willing for remuneration to give his services?

Mr. Bevin

The difficulty is that this covers also all in the Civil Service. It covers a very wide field of superannuation schemes which are embodied in all kinds of legislation, including the Municipal Corporations Act and a number of other private schemes. It is a wide subject, with which I cannot deal adequately in answer to a Question.

Sir I. Albery

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether by a Defence Regulation or in some other way some relaxation can be introduced during the war?

Sir Herbert Williams

As superannuation is payment for past services and not for current services, is there any reason why these persons should not earn money?

Mr. W. Brown

May I ask whether if the rule to which the Minister refers is appropriate in the case of civil servants and local government officers, it will be applied also to the case of the Lord President of the Council?

Mr. Bevin

As to whether we can do anything, my hon. Friend will appreciate that this matter is not the concern only of my Department, and I will consult my colleagues to see whether any steps can be taken to deal with the matter.