asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any decision has yet been come to as to what proportion of unestablished service shall count for the purposes of superannuation on becoming established?

Cases are considered on their merits under Section 3 of the Superannuation Act, 1887, which enables the Treasury to include unestablished service, if, in their opinion, any special circumstances warrant such a course, when a person at the time he becomes a civil servant is serving the State in a temporary capacity, and no alteration of the existing practice is contemplated at present. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, I will gladly consider it.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that about a year ago this matter was under the consideration of the Treasury, and that an answer was promised shortly, and can he give me a definite answer now?

I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that I am not aware of the circumstances to which he has referred, but if he will let me know privately, I shall be glad to consider the matter.