HC Deb 22 April 1943 vol 388 cc1826-7
60. Mr. Messer

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to safeguard the interests of nurses who may leave a superannuate post to take a post as nurse under Civil Defence in consequence of their losing their superannuation rights if their post under Civil Defence is at a lower salary than their previous one?

Mr. E. Brown

Apart from the general provisions of the Local Government Staffs (War Service) Act, 1939, which preserve the superannuation rights of persons who cease to serve a local authority in order to undertake war service (which is defined to include Civil Defence service), there is specific provision for the preservation of such rights in certain circumstances where a person leaves a superannuable post and subsequently enters the employment of another local authority in Civil Defence service.

Mr. Messer

Is the Minister aware that if a nurse leaves one authority where she holds a superannuable post and takes a position at higher rates she can still be superannuated, but that if she takes a position at a lower rate she loses her rights? Is this fair?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the hon. Member will call my attention to any case he has in mind. It would seem to depend upon the interpretation of war service.