§ 88. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that considerable numbers of temporary local government officers between 50 and 60 years of age are now being dismissed from local government service because they are unable to complete 20 years' service before the age of 65; and whether, in these circumstances, consideration will be given to an amendment of the Local Government Superannuation Acts to reduce the qualifying period for pensioners.
§ Mr. BevanThe qualifying period under the Local Government Superannuation Act, 1937, at age 65 is ten years, and an officer may not enter the scheme over the age of 55 if he cannot complete ten years by age 65. A ten-year qualifying period seems reasonable and I do not think any reduction would be justified. I am not aware that officers are being dismissed on account of this provision.