§ 6. Mr. MAXTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, having regard to the large number of young teachers unable to obtain appointments, he will make arrangements by which the optional age for retiring on superannuation allowance may be lowered?
§ Mr. SKELTONThere are serious difficulties in the way of adopting the policy suggested by the hon. Member. Actuarial considerations demand that, if benefits are to be payable on retirement before the age of 60, they should be materially restricted in amount, apart from the automatic reduction due to the shorter period of contributory service. It is, therefore, improbable that a modification of the Superannuation Scheme in that direction and on an optional basis would lead any appreciable number of teachers to retire at an earlier age.
§ Mr. MAXTONHas the Secretary of State gone into this matter fully to see if something could not be done along those lines?
§ Mr. SKELTONThe considerations to which I have referred have been before us, and I do not know that much further action or thought can be given to the matter. The considerations I have mentioned seem to be of great weight.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are in Scotland now many young teachers unable to receive appointments and a considerable number of senior teachers who are ready to retire, provided reasonable arrangements can be made for them?