§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Works if he is aware that Mr. W. J. Avey, 60, Brailsford Road, Brixton, who has had over 31 years' service in Palace Yard and who was given notice to leave on 26th January, 1951, is not entitled to a pension; has not yet received his gratuity and is in financial difficulties; and if he will take immediate action to provide for him.
§ Mr. StokesMr. Avey was retired on 23rd February last. He is ineligible for a pension under the Superannuation Acts because he was above the maximum qualifying age on 16th January, 1948, when the252W Scheme of Establishment of Government Industrial Employees was introduced. I regret that he has not yet received the gratuity to which he is entitled, but it is hoped that an award will be made within the next few days.