§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ LORD DARYNGTONMy Lords, this is a non-controversial Bill which has already passed through the House of Commons. Under the Superannuation (Ecclesiastical Commissioners and Queen Anne's Bounty) Act, 1914, the gratuity payable on death, whilst serving, of an officer with a minimum of five years' service was a sum equal to the annual salary and emoluments of his or her office. Under the new Bill the gratuity in similar cases is either a sum equal to the annual salary and emoluments of his or 166 her office, or a sum equal to the amount of gratuity which would be granted in the case of retirement on grounds of ill health, whichever is the greater. The provisions of this Bill bring this Office, that is, the Ecclesiastical Commission's Office and Queen Anne's Bounty Office, into line with the Civil Service generally in the matter of gratuity payable on death whilst serving. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a,—(Lord Daryngton.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a. Committee of the Whole House.