HC Deb 19 November 1946 vol 430 cc658-9
6. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of National Insurance if, in view of the fact that the new Act does not affect existing superannuation schemes in any way, public and private employers will now be required to pay an additional contribution for each employee who is a member of an existing superannuation scheme.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Contributions at the standard rates will be payable in respect of employees whether or not they are contributors to existing superannuation schemes of either private or public employers, and pensions at the standard rates will in due course become payable to them under the national scheme. The parties to these superannuation schemes may, however, wish to review their provisions and Section 69 (4) of the National Insurance Act, 1946, facilitate the making of any desired modification.

Mr. Rankin

How does the Minister reconcile the fact that certain people will be drawing two pensions from the State with the principle already embodied in the Bill that certain other people are not entitled to draw two payments from the State?

Mr. Griffiths

Under our scheme persons will pay for the pensions to which they will be entitled. If in addition they pay for any other pension, then they will be entitled to that pension too.

Mr. Wyatt

Does my right hon. Friend intend to take any action to prevent private employers from insisting on a double contribution, one to the superannuation scheme they themselves run and one to the State?

Mr. Griffiths

I am afraid I have no power to interfere, and moreover I do not think it would be wise for me to interfere, in any private superannuation schemes.