§ Colonel RAWSONasked the same right hon. Gentleman whether he will inform the House if the superannuation allowances of vaccination officers are still based on the average salary received during the last five years; and whether, in view of the fact that the fees of vaccination officers are so greatly reduced by reason of the facility with which exemption from vaccination is now obtained, he will reconsider the matter, with a view of meeting the altered conditions?
§ Mr. BURNSUnder the provisions of the Poor Law Officers Superannuation Act, 1896, the superannuation allowances are based on the average amount of salary and emoluments received during the five years immediately preceding the date of retirement. In the case of officers who have suffered loss for the reason mentioned I have been willing to sanction gratuities, and such gratuities would count as emoluments for purpose of pension. In other cases the special circumstances have been met by allowing an addition of years under the provisions of Section 5 of the Act to an officer on retirement.