HC Deb 31 July 1951 vol 491 cc1162-3
12. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take in regard to the resolution passed by the Retired Teachers' Association on 25th June, a copy of which has been sent to him, urging the immediate upward revision of teachers' pensions, together with the abolition of the means test.

Mr. McNeil

I have given sympathetic consideration to the resolution, but I can only refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 24th April last to the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Commander Noble).

Sir T. Moore

What is the use of increasing the salaries of teachers if the right hon. Gentleman does not increase the pensions as well, since it is the defence against the hazards of old age which will be the greatest incentive to induce people into the teaching profession, as the right hon. Gentleman wishes them to enter it?

Mr. McNeil

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is, perhaps unwittingly, confusing the subject here. Where there is an increase in salaries, of course there is a proportionate change in pensions. The Question refers to a group of people with whom I have every sympathy—retired men and women who are, of course, not affected by salary changes.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that cases of extreme hardship are arising among teachers who retired many years ago from salaries considerably lower than what would be the corresponding salary for equivalent work today? Cannot he regard this as a special case?

Mr. McNeil

I am worried about this, but there is a large group of people affected in this way and I cannot add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Rankin

In order to attract these people into the teaching profession, could my right hon. Friend not take the necessary steps to ensure that when retired teachers return to the teaching profession they do not lose the pensions they have earned?

Mr. Manuel

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of these older retired teachers are finding things particularly difficult at present? Cannot he examine the position with a view to making some easement?

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