HC Deb 17 December 1946 vol 431 cc1771-2
62. Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

asked the Secretary to the Treasury under what circumstances His Majesty's Government allow gratuities to State servants.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Glenvil Hall)

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to retirement gratuities payable to civil servants under the Superannuation Acts and the gratuities payable to established women civil servants who resign on marriage. I will, with permission, furnish details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that is not what I was referring to at all?

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Arising out of the Question and not the answer, will it be lawful to tip railway porters when the Transport Bill becomes an Act?

Mr. Kirkwood

The answer is, "Wait and see."

Mr. Speaker

It is a purely hypothetical question.

Following are the details:

Retirement Gratuities.

Section 6 of the Superannuation Act, 1859, authorises the payment of a gratuity at the rate of one month's pay for each year of service to established civil servants who have to retire through infirmity of mind or body before they have completed the minimum qualifying period of ten years for pension.

Section 4 of the Superannuation Act, 1887, authorises the payment of a retiring gratuity at the rate of one week's pay for each year of service to an individual who has been in unestablished employment in the Civil Service, provided that:

  1. (a) the employment is one to which he was required to devote his whole time, and
  2. (b) the remuneration for the employment was paid entirely out of moneys provided by Parliament, and
  3. (c) he has served in the employment for not less than seven years, if he is removed in consequence of the abolition of his employment, or for the purpose of facilitating improvements in the organisation of the Department by which economy can be effected, or for not less than fifteen years if his retirement is caused from infirmity of mind or body, permanently incapacitating him from the duties of his employment.

In a few Departments arrangements exist under which gratuities of small amount may be paid in cases of need which do not qualify for an award under the Superannuation Acts. One example is the Postmaster-General's Special Fund.

Marriage Gratuities.

Marriage gratuities are payable to established women civil servants who, after not less than six years' service, resign their appointments on marriage. The gratuities are at the rate of one month's pay for each year of the service subject to a maximum of twelve months' pay.