34. Miss WARDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is yet in a position to state what steps it is proposed to take to safeguard the pension rights of teachers affected by the economy cuts?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)I am glad to be able to announce that my Noble Friend has informed the teachers' representatives that the Government are prepared to initiate legislation to secure that as from 1st July, 1935, no teachers affected by the salary cuts shall suffer any reduction in their annual superannuation allowances exceeding 2 per cent., the present position with regard to other allowances, e.g., lump sums and death gratuities remaining unaffected. The cost of this proposal will be borne by the Exchequer. I may add that the offer has been accepted by all the teachers' associations represented on the Burnham Committees as an agreed and final solution of the matter.
Miss WARDIn thanking my hon. Friend, is he aware that this announcement will give great satisfaction, because a legitimate grievance has been removed?
§ Sir P. HARRISHas any scheme been worked out to deal with teachers who suffered from a cut previous to July, 1935 —in the previous two years?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMAll teachers whose pensions were reduced as from 1931 will be benefited by the proposal, which has been received cordially and has been welcomed by the teachers representatives.
§ Mr. G. A. MORRISONCan the hon. Gentleman say whether similar arrangements are proposed for Scottish teachers?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThat question is one for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, who is necessarily absent in Edinburgh on account of the meeting of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, but I am authorised by him to say that Scottish teachers have accepted the scheme and similar arrangements will be proposed for dealing with their pensions.
§ Sir HERBERT SAMUELAre we to understand that teachers who had their pensions fixed prior to 1st July, 1935, will suffer a reduction owing to the cuts made in 1931?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMYes, it is true that the reduction between 1931 and 1935 remains. I have explained that the reduction in the superannuation allowance is not to exceed 2 per cent. There will 756 be a reduction, but they will have the rest made up. The solution is an agreed one.
§ Sir H. SAMUELIs the date 1st July, 1935, a date prior to which everybody suffers a grievance which will not be remedied?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThe teachers have agreed to this and accept it and welcome it. It is perfectly true that in the case of teachers retiring between 1931 and 1935 there will be a reduction.
§ Sir P. HARRISHave the teachers between 1931 and 1935 who suffer a reduction accepted it?