Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at on 14 May 1924.
Like the hon. Gentleman who has just sat down, I have no desire to interfere with any arrangement that has been made. I think, however, that the point which I desire to raise is really a Committee point, which will not interfere with any arrangement. It is in connection with those of these officers who have served for 30 or 40 years, and have some years of vigorous service still to come. These men will automatically go on to civil pensions, but no regard whatever is given to their past years of service, not one year of which will count in regard to this pension. Some of them may only have a few years to go, but, in view of the fact that, particularly in the lower classes, such as the bailiffs, they are performing duties of a rather distasteful character, in the capacity of the Shylock of a system of private enterprise, and are not very well received wherever they go, I suggest to the Attorney-General that some consideration should be given as regards some of the time that has been served by these men, who have, one might almost say, toiled in the service of the County Courts, and that some part of that time should be taken into consideration for superannuation benefit. I hope that in Committee, if I happen to be on the Committee, I may have an opportunity of moving an Amendment to that effect.