HC Deb 05 March 1935 vol 298 cc1752-3
46. Mr. KENNETH LINDSAY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many pensions schemes provided by private firms for their employés have been approved under the Finance Act, 1921; and whether he has any information as to how many employés, staff or otherwise, are covered by such schemes?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

At the 30th September, 1934, the pension schemes approved under Section 32 of the Finance Act, 1921, numbered 1,641, but I regret I am unable to say how many of these schemes were provided by private firms as distinct from companies, or how many employés are covered by the schemes.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Will that figure cover co-operative societies and trade unions

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I should think that it would cover co-operative societies.

Mr. G. GRIFFITHS

May I ask whether it covers pit pensions which are financed entirely by the workmen and not by the employers?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Obviously not in view of the terms of the question.

47. Mr. LINDSAY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many public servants are at present in pensionable employment in each of the Government services, including the teaching profession, the Post Office, and local government service?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

As the answer includes a number of figures I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. LINDSAY

In view of the fact that a large number—nearly 2,000 firms—of progressive employers have inaugurated pension schemes, including a number of trade unions and also Government Departments, will my right hon. Friend reconsider his decision as to the necessity for a departmental inquiry in order to get at the facts which are so difficult to obtain?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I will consider it.

Following is the reply:

The numbers of persons in pensionable employment in the Civil Service on the 1st April, 1934, the latest date for which figures are available, were approximately as follow:

Non-Industrial Industrial
Post office 133,000 19,000
Other Departments 88,000 12,000

In the Defence Services the numbers of uniformed personnel in pensionable service are at present as follow:

Navy … … … 37,000
Army … … … 39,000
… … … Air Force 8,000

I regret that similar information as regards local government service and the teaching profession is not available.