§ Mr. J. Lane and Mr. J. Woolacott, the two Principal Doorkeepers, after an extension of service, are about to retire, the former on the 5th of October next, the latter on the 31st of August next. Mr. Lane and Mr. Woolacott have been in the service of the House for 45 years and 4 months, and 38 years and 8½ months respectively, and the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod testified to the valuable and efficient manner in which they have carried out their duties.
§ The Committee sanctioned the grant to Mr. Lane on his retirement of a pension of £345 5s. a year. This amount is calculated on his present salary of £300 a year with the addition of 75 per cent, of the bonus as at present authorised by the Treasury. In view of the special circumstances of his case, they also granted to him in addition a gratuity equivalent to one year's salary without bonus. The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod suggested that in view of his length of service Mr. Woolacott's pension might be reckoned on the basis of forty years' service. The Committee agreed to this suggestion and sanctioned the grant to Mr. Woolacott on his retirement of a pension of; £187 10s. 3d. a year. This amount is calculated on his present salary of £200 a year, with the addition of 75 per cent. of the bonus as at present authorised by the Treasury. Mr. Woolacott will also be entitled to a gratuity of £539 3s. 2d. under the provisions of the Superannuation Act,.1909.
§ In view of the fact that all pensions granted since the 1st of March, 1920, may be affected by alterations in the calculation of bonus which may be brought forward by the Treasury in September next, the Committee recommend that the amount of these pensions should be subject. to revision.
§ Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.