§ Sir WILLIAM BULLasked the Secretary of State for War if Civil servants employed in the various military prisons and detention barracks are being discharged under Section 7 of the Superannuation Act, 1859, in order that their places may be filled with soldiers who are still serving on their Army engagements; if so, whether the pensions of these men have been made up as provided for in the cases of men discharged under this Section of the Superannuation Act of 1859; and if he will arrange for these men to be employed in other branches of the Civil Service instead of discharging them and thus adding to the body of unemployed?
§ Mr. HALDANEOwing to reorganisation, by which certain detention barracks1634W will be closed and the staff of all such establishments will be found from serving soldiers, reductions are being made of 11 civilian warders and 20 serving soldiers employed in various military prisons and detention barracks. The latter are being reduced by absorption of vacancies or discharge to pension. The former are being discharged on reduction. The pensions to which all the civilians are entitled under the Superannuation Act of 1859 will no doubt be granted in accordance with the usual practice of the Treasury in such cases. It is regretted that no opportunity offers for their re-employment elsewhere in the Civil Service.