§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether, pursuant to his replies,Official Report,of 8 July, c.197and 29 July, c. 674,regarding the proven maladministration of several civil servants who were criticised by the official tribunal of inquiry into the Crown Agents, he will give the reasons why none of these was deprived of pension rights and why none had any specific disciplinary action taken against him; and whether he will review the matter.
§ Mr. Hayhoe:The superannuation benefits of retired civil servants may be forfeited in whole or in part only if they are convicted of certain offences. Since all witnesses before the tribunal were granted immunity from criminal proceedings, there can be no conviction and consequently the possibility of forfeiture does not arise. Disciplinary action was not appropriate since all the civil servants criticised had retired, or were about to do so, at the time the report was published.