HC Deb 17 March 1964 vol 691 c1175
24. Mr. Manuel

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Superannuation Act regulation entails the forfeiture of the right to any award when an employee is dismissed for disciplinary reasons.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

There is no power under the Superannuation Acts to make any award to an employee who is dismissed for disciplinary reasons.

Mr. Manuel

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Question relates to a constituent of mine who for 23 years served loyally in a Royal Ordnance factory and that particulars of the case are held by the War Office? Is it not wrong to punish an individual twice for the same offence, and do not the best firms in the country give severance allowance, or gratuity as it is called in the Government service, after a stipulated number of years even though dismissal takes place as a result of some matter of discipline? Will the right hon. Gentleman agree to amend the regulations which prevent such payment and consider the possibility of an ex gratia payment to my constituent?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I understood that the case which the hon. Gentleman had in mind in putting down the Question was the one the merits of which he has raised with my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War. As my main Answer makes clear, it is not a question of amending regulations. These pensions are governed by the Superannuation Acts, and there is no power under them to pay superannuation in these circumstances.