HC Deb 20 July 1950 vol 477 c2446
1. Mr. Storey

asked the Minister of Education the amount outstanding at 1st April, 1950, on account of late contributions for war service under the Teachers (Superannuation) Acts, 1918–46 and the Teachers Superannuation (War Service) Act, 1939; over what period these contributions have to be repaid; and to how much the interest to be charged in accordance with circular letter, R.P. 39/317, of 21st June, 1950, amounts.

The Minister of Education (Mr. Tomlinson)

The outstanding war service contributions from teachers and employers in the cases so far reported to my Department amount to a sum of the order of £200,000. As regards the rest of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and learned Member for York (Mr. Hylton-Foster) on 6th of this month, a copy of which I am sending him. I will write to the hon. Member when the technical issues have been further examined.

Mr. Storey

Why has the right hon. Gentleman suddenly decided to make this exaction, which makes so little difference to the Treasury and so much to ex-Service men in a profession which is so poorly paid? Why were these teachers not notified of the possibility of such a claim being made when contributions on account of war service were funded?

Mr. Tomlinson

I understand that all these were not only within the realm of the law but that the teachers were informed.

Mr. George Thomas

Is the Minister aware that 4 per cent. compound interest is being asked from these people, and will he not do something to reduce the rate of interest?

Mr. Tomlinson

That relates to he latter part of the Question, which I am looking into.