§ 39. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the paying out of increases in pension rates under the recent Pensions (Increase) Act to retired prison warders of the Scottish Prison Service.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Assheton)I have been asked to reply. Pensions of Scottish prison warders are paid by the Paymaster-General, through the agency of the King's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer. The Paymaster-General assesses the amount of the increases under the recent Pensions (Increase) Act. These pensioners are civil servants and are being dealt with by the procedure applicable to their case. The increases payable under Section 2 of the Act have been paid and the claims from the pensioners for the further increases to which they may 19 be entitled under Section 1 of the Act are being examined. Payment will be made as quickly as staff difficulties permit.
§ Mr. BrownCan the right hon. Gentleman give us an estimate of the time in which he hopes this process will be completed?
§ Mr. AsshetonIt is being done as quickly as possible, but I hope the hon. Member will bear in mind that these payments are retrospective, so injustice will not be done.