§ 76. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the majority of the women teachers in the elementary schools are desirous of having the option of retiring with a suitable pension at an earlier age than sixty-five; that many who commenced class teaching at from fifteen to twenty years old, and are now upwards of fifty years old, are conscious of their inability, through physical or mental weakness, to perform their work in the most efficient manner, and yet are unable to claim a breakdown allowance, not being medically certified as permanently incapable owing to infirmity of mind and body; and whether, in fairness to these women and in the interests of the efficiency of their schools, he will consider the advisability of inaugurating a system of earlier optional retirement for women teachers?
Mr. PEASEI have received resolutions and representations have been made by deputations which have waited upon me advocating the course suggested in the hon. Member's question. As soon as the Departmental Committee, which I appointed last year, has considered whether and by what amount the total cost of the Amendments of the Superannuation Act of 1898 made by the Act of 1912 will fall short of the money at my disposal they will be prepared, if money is available, to receive evidence on various proposals for improving the existing system, among which is 948 included earlier optional retirement from service.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWill the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to accelerate the Report or obtain an interim Report from the Departmental Committee, as this is considered a matter of great urgency amongst women teachers?
Mr. PEASEI have represented to the Chairman the urgency of the matter, but I understand the delay is entirely due to the time required for actuarial investigations.