HC Deb 16 December 1937 vol 330 c1325
44 Mr. De la Bère

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, as regards certain hardships which have arisen to a small number of pensioners under the improved scheme of School Teachers Superannuation Act, 1918, something will now be done to assist them?

Mr. Lindsay

My Noble Friend has no power to increase the pensions of the teachers in question, nor can he undertake to introduce legislation for the purpose. In general these teachers are in receipt of larger pensions than a very considerable number of pensioners of all classes, including teachers, who retired on pre-war scales of pension.

Mr. De la Bère

Does not the Minister think that it is somewhat inconvenient and unsatisfactory that these poor people can have nothing further done for them?

Mr. Lindsay

You are always liable to have a small group of anomalies in connection with pensions. This is a very small number, and the position does not only apply to teachers.

Mr. De la Bère

If it is only a small number, why cannot something be done for them?