HC Deb 26 February 1931 vol 248 cc2263-4
39. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the President of the Board of Education the average period of service which a school teacher has to serve to obtain a pension, assuming that he entered the teaching profession at the minimum age; what age would such a man be when he retired; and what would be the average pension he would obtain?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Morgan Jones)

Under the Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1925, a teacher, in order to become eligible for a superannuation allowance on the ground of age, must normally have served for a minimum period of 30 years, and must have reached the age of 60. Teachers entering the profession at the minimum age, and serving continuously, would serve for a considerably longer period than 30 years before becoming eligible. The amount of the allowances depends not only on the period of service but also on the average salary for the last five years of service. Of the age pensions actually awarded during the year 1929–30, under the Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1925, the average amount was £155 per annum, and, in addition, a lump sum.

Mr. McSHANE

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether privileges are still allowed to schoolmasters of over 65 years of age to continue to serve in the particular post in which they were serving when they reached 65 years of age?

Mr. JONES

I must ask for notice of that question.