47. Captain CAZALETasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has 1707 been called to the case of the headmaster of Calne county secondary school, Mr. C. T. T. Apps, who is retiring in July next; whether he is aware that, owing to the fact that Mr. Apps's pension is calculated on the basis of his average salary for the last five years, he will sustain a loss in pension of £16 a year; and whether the board will arrange to restore the pension to the amount which it would have been had Mr. Apps's salary not been reduced by 10 per cent. in 1931?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)I am aware of the facts in this case. There is, however, no power under the Teachers' (Superannuation) Acts to calculate pensions on salaries in excess of those actually received. The general question of the possibility of steps being taken to mitigate the loss in such cases is under discussion with representatives of the teachers.
Captain CAZALETIs it to be understood that if the reply and contribution from the teachers is considered satisfactory that the Board of Education themselves will make some contribution towards remedying this injustice under which certain teachers who are retiring in the next few years are suffering?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThe whole matter at the moment is under discussion with the teachers' representatives. The Board of Education is with them in desiring to find a solution of the matter. I cannot at the moment say anything definite when it will be finally settled, but I hope the solution will not be long delayed.
§ Sir P. HARRISDoes the hon. Member realise that I raised this subject last August and that the Treasury then undertook to give speedy consideration to the matter? Does he consider that it is an example of speed that the matter has still to be opened in May, 1935?