§ Mr. GOULDINGasked the Home Secretary (1) whether lie is aware of the anxiety and inconvenience caused to asylum officers by the doubt which exists as to the interpretation of some sections of the Asylum Officers' Superannuation Act, 1909; and whether, in view of the duty imposed upon him by Section 15 of that Act to settle disputes which may arise, he proposes to issue any regulations or set up any machinery for that purpose; and (2), whether, early in July of last year, he received a memorial from various officers of the County and City of Worcester Lunatic Asylum, Powick, requesting him, as provided in Section 13 of the Asylum Officers' Superannuation Act, 1909, to decide a dispute as to their right to be considered established officers eligible for superannuation under that Act; whether any reply has yet been sent; and what steps, if any, he has taken to settle the points at issue?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI will answer this and the next question by the hon. Member together. The opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown is being taken as regards the extent of my jurisdiction to determine disputes under Section 15 of the Act, and as regards a number of other questions which have arisen under the566W Act, including those raised in the memorial from officers of the Powick Asylum referred to by the hon. Member. These questions are still under the consideration of the Law Officers. As soon as their opinion is received, the effect of it will be made known to all who may be concerned, and steps will be taken to exercise whatever jurisdiction I am advised is conferred on me by the Act.