HC Deb 16 November 1950 vol 480 cc1862-3
2. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take to ensure that superannuation benefits are enjoyed in cases of officials transferred from local to national government service before 4th February, 1948, and who were debarred thereby from continuing superannuation payments through no fault of their own.

Mr. Bevan

The superannuation rights of officials compulsorily transferred from local to national government service are already safeguarded. I can hold out no prospect of restoring rights already relinquished by an officer who transferred voluntarily before 4th February, 1948, the date of the introduction of the Bill for the Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1948.

Mr. Braine

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the grave injustice caused to some officials who put in over 25 years' devoted service? Will he not look at the matter again?

Mr. Bevan

There is no injustice to a person who transferred on his own initiative before the Act was in operation.

Mr. Harry Wallace

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to receive representations with a view to reviewing the position of these officers and the conditions under which the whole or part of their local government service might be taken into account, because there are some serious anomalies?

Mr. Bevan

I think these are matters to be taken up by the representatives of the persons concerned through the Whitley machinery.