I am formally opposing this motion in order to ascertain what the Minister has in mind. I gather this Bill is for the purpose of giving statutory effect to certain readjustments in pensions and that it is necessary to have this statutory power in order to make the adjustments which the Minister has already decided upon. I see that item No. 11 provides for what is apparently a token Vote covering the sum involved and it is probably the legislative way of implementing the provisions of the Superannuation Bill. Will the Minister say whether it is intended by item No. 11 to take power to make these adjustments now, allowing the Superannuation Bill to follow afterwards, giving statutory effect to what is proposed under the Supplementary Estimate?
Superannuation Bill, 1947—First Stage.
This Bill is entitled an Act to amend and extend certain enactments relating to superannuation. A number of civil servants, who retired after the Standstill Order affected Civil Service salaries, did not get the pension or the bonus related to the cost-of-living figure. It is proposed, as the Standstill Order has been abolished and an agreement made with the civil servants regarding future salaries, to adjust the pensions affected by the Standstill Order. That is what the Bill proposes to do. It will be circulated, I hope, early in September. It is drafted and item 11, which is merely a token Vote for £10, will give us power to pay out the lump sums and pensions which will be validated by the Bill.
I am obliged to the Minister for meeting the matter in this way.
Second Stage fixed for Wednesday, 8th October.