HC Deb 09 February 1944 vol 396 cc1765-7
50. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is now able to make a statement on the question of granting pension rights to Mr. E. W. Russell, who has completed 53 years in the Civil Service, and is now employed by his Department.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply (Mr. Sandys)

For the reasons which have already been explained to the hon. Member, Mr. Russell is not eligible for the grant of a pension.

Mr. Brown

Arising out of that most unsatisfactory reply, will the Parliamentary Secretary represent to his chief that he should raise this matter with the Cabinet, with a view to getting a decision in this kind of case?

Mr. Sandys

I have noticed that the hon. Member has been putting down Questions about similar cases to a number of Government Departments. If he wishes to challenge the general practice which is adopted throughout the Civil Service, he should address his Question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. Brown

If the Parliamentary Secretary will allow me to conduct my business in my own way, I will be glad if he will see that no other member of the staff of the Ministry of Supply is treated in this way.

Mr. Sandys

The hon. Member has written to the Chancellor and has had an extremely full statement about this particular case. So far as this case is concerned it has been dealt with in accordance with the normal practice adopted throughout the Civil Service. If he wishes to raise a question of general principle he should, as I say, address it to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. Shinwell

For the benefit of other hon. Members, can we be informed why a civil servant with 53 years' service does not receive a pension?

Mr. Sandys

The hon. Member is calling in question the general principle and practice adopted throughout the Civil Service.

Mr. Brown

Why should not a Minister of State accept some responsibility for conditions existing in his Department, and, if he finds them unsatisfactory, make appropriate representations to the Cabinet if that be necessary? Can I have an answer to that question?

Mr. Sandys

It is perfectly well known to the House that there are well established regulations which apply to the Civil Service as a whole. The hon. Member is surely aware that one Department cannot draw up a separate set of rules of its own.

Mr. Brown

I am suggesting that all Departments should deal with their own affairs.

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