48. Brigadier Clarkeasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why only half time worked in the dockyard prior to 1949 can be allowed for pension; and what 382 steps are to be taken in the near future to remedy this situation.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasThe Superannuation Act, 1949, which governs the pensions of all Government civil employees, provides that unestablished service from 14th July, 1949, counts in full for superannuation purposes on establishment. Under earlier legislation unestablished service before that date is counted on establishment to the extent of half only. I am not aware of any projected legislation on this matter.
Brigadier ClarkeDoes my right hon. Friend realise that many dockyard workers who have served 30 years or more in Her Majesty's dockyards can count only four years in full, and that this is a great hardship to them? I hope he can improve on what was done in six years of Socialism.
§ Mr. ThomasThat is a question which concerns all Departments, and therefore it is one for the Treasury and for the Staff Side and the trade unions to raise.