HC Deb 28 February 1946 vol 419 cc2080-1
12. Mr. McKie

asked the Minister of National Insurance what the position will be under the Insurance Bill of those societies and private companies who have expended large sums of money to assist their employees to secure pensions.

The Minister of National Insurance (Mr. James Griffiths)

Contributions at the standard rates will be payable in respect of employees whether or not they are beneficiaries under private pensions schemes, and pensions of the standard amounts will in due course become payable to them under the national scheme. The parties to private pensions schemes may, however, wish to review their provisions; and Clause 68 (i) (f) of the Bill is designed to facilitate the making of any modification desired by the parties.

Mr. McKie

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider compensation or reinforcement for these people if it should be found that societies and private companies who have expended these moneys for philanthropic purposes are not fully safeguarded under Clause 68 of the Bill?

Mr. Griffiths

Everyone comes into our scheme in the appropriate classes, and no one will be exempt under the Bill. If any adjustments have to be made in private schemes it is for the parties to make those adjustments themselves. All we say in Clause 68 is that we will facilitate such adjustment if they are agreed to by the parties.

Mr. W. J. Brown

In view of the welcome assurance which the Minister has given in regard to private superannuation schemes, would he say whether the same applies to civil servants, teachers, police and other State and local government officers who have schemes of their own in operation?

Mr. Griffiths

I have made it clear on Second Reading and on other occasions that, as far as we are concerned, everyone comes onto this scheme. It will be for teachers and others who have private schemes and are outside the national scheme and desire to make the adjustments; it is for them to make an adjustment and take the necessary initiative.

Sir Waldron Smithers

Does the Minister realise that representations are now being made from these persons?