HC Deb 04 December 1951 vol 494 cc2207-8
33. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether in the light of the present high cost of living, he will consider a review of the pensions paid to retired teachers.

Mr. J. Stuart

As indicated in the reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on 12th November to the hon. Member for Morecambe and Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser), the position of pensioners is being reviewed in the course of the Government's general review of expenditure. The claims of retired teachers have to be considered along with those of other classes of pensioners.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some teachers who retired before the war received pensions based on a salary of half that received by their present successors, that owing to the increased cost of living many of these retired teachers are in great difficulty, and that since 1947 nothing has been done to relieve their situation?

Mr. Stuart

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the point raised by my hon. Friend. As I mentioned, my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary stated that these matters and others are under consideration.

Mr. Wheatley

Pending such review, will the right hon. Gentleman consider with his English colleagues the possibility of paying these pensions monthly instead of quarterly as the quarterly payment is causing a great deal of economic hardship at the present time?

Mr. Stuart

I should be very glad to consider the right hon. and learned Gentleman's suggestion, but I believe it would add quite considerably to the cost of administration. I believe that is the only difficulty.