612
Objects and Reasons..
1. By section 2 (c) of the Pensions Ordinance No. 21 of 1932, provision was made for the addition to the pensionable emoluments of officers eligible for the occupation of Govern- ment quarters or for rent allowance of a sum equal to one- sixth of their salaries, subject to a maximum, this addition being intended to represent the value of that privilege. It was decided in 1936 to introduce new scales of salaries, officers drawing which would be required to pay an economic rent for Government quarters if occupied, instead of the former conventional rental at the rate of 6 per cent. of salary. In the case of such officers there is, therefore, no justification for the addition referred to as representing the value of their quarters privileges and it is desired to confine the operation. of that privilege to officers still enjoying the old terms as to quarters. It was at the same time decided to reduce the maximum addition permitted under this provision from £200 to £150 in the case of all future appointments carrying free quarters.
2. No appointments on these new terms were made until after 1st April, 1937, and that date has accordingly been taken as the dividing line.
3. In order to carry out the above changes a new definition of "pensionable emoluments" is substituted for that appearing in sub-paragraph (1) of section 2 (c) of the Pensions Ordinance, 1932, and further sub-sections (cc) and (ccc) are added in amplification of that definition. The form now followed in the definition is in accordance with suggestions made by the Secretary of State and intended to be incorporated in future Colonial pensions legislation.
4. The new provisions will not affect the rights of any officers appointed before 1st April, 1917, who may retain the privilege of free quarters or of occupying quarters at the old conventional rental.
June, 1939.
C. G. ALABASTER,
Attorney General.