I move:

In page 2, Section 2, lines 32 to 37, to delete paragraph (b).

I raised this matter on the Second Stage of this Bill last week when I asked the Minister if he would look into the point, namely the precedent contained in Section 23 of the Superannuation Act of 1936, in which provision was made in circumstances analogous to the circumstances referred to in this Bill. I should like to know if the Minister has looked into it, and if he is prepared to fall in with the suggestion which I then brought to his notice.

I have looked into this matter and what the Senator says is quite correct about Section 23 of the 1936 Act, but the position in this matter is not analogous. There is power under the Superannuation Acts dealing with local officers to add years to the period of service. That is the reason it is not analogous to the position which was being dealt with in the section relating to the Post Office.

Do I take it that the point is that under the legislation governing local authorities the Minister has power to add years to service for superannuation purposes, whereas in the Superannuation Act relating to Post Office workers the Minister has no such power?

That is so.

I presume that whoever would be Minister for Local Government when these people come to have their pensions fixed would treat them in the same way as the other workers are treated?

I regard the amendment as superfluous. The position is that years can be added to the service, or any other period can be added.

Is the amendment withdrawn?

Yes.

When will the next stage be taken?

I do not think that this is a Bill that will have to be amended.

We should do something for the Minister to-day.