§ 5. Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider amending the Teachers' Superannuation Rules (Scotland), 1926, so as to enable the many retired teachers who desire it to receive their retirement pensions monthly instead of quarterly as at present.
§ Miss HerbisonThis amendment has been noted for consideration when legislation affecting teachers' pensions is required. The change suggested would involve an increase of staff and could not conveniently be made in Scotland alone.
§ Mr. Thornton-KemsleyDoes the hon. Lady realise the hardship which is inflicted upon retired teachers who have been in the habit of getting their payments monthly but now have to go on a quarterly budget, which is extremely difficult in view of the rising cost of living?
§ Miss HerbisonYes, I certainly realise the difficulty that some of these teachers are experiencing, but it is impossible at present, because of the reasons I have given, to alter these to monthly payments.
Mr. MacdonaldDoes the hon. Lady realise that labour could be saved in the Education Department of the Scottish Office by bankers' drafts being used for these monthly payments instead of quarterly payments?
§ Miss HerbisonGreat consideration has been given to this matter, taking in the point made by the hon. Member, but it is still found impossible to make the alteration at present.