§ 65. Mr. Pethick-Lawrenceasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what progress has already been made in giving effect to the Pensions (Increase) Act, so far as teachers are concerned; and how long it will be before all existing pensioners so entitled will be in receipt of their increased pensions.
§ Mr. AsshetonTeachers' pensions are paid by the Paymaster-General who will assess and pay the supplements under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1944. The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that Regulations were made in June last to give effect to the Act which was passed in the preceding month. Thereafter Instructions to pensioners and Application Forms were prepared and printed, and these have been issued to over 55,000 retired teachers and 42,000 claims to increase have been received, and are being dealt with as rapidly as possible with a limited staff. It is hoped to make additional staff available as priority services permit, but I cannot at present give an estimate for the completion of the work.
§ Mr. Pethick-LawrenceCan the right hon. Gentleman give any idea of how many of the 44,000 claims have been dealt with?
§ Mr. AsshetonI am afraid I cannot give the right hon. Gentleman that information now, but I will let him know.