§ 28. Mr. John Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to enable retired teachers who are able and willing to return to teaching to do so without loss of pension.
§ Mr. J. StuartIn the case of teachers who retired between the ages of 60 and 65, pension is suspended on re-employment, but I have recently made provision for them to have the benefit on final retirement of a new pension award which takes account of any further service exceeding one year. Retired teachers over 65 years of age can only return without loss of pension to teaching service if the amount of their salary on re-employment, together with their pension, does not exceed their salary on retirement.
It is a long-established principle applicable to civil servants and local government employees as well as teachers that they should not receive both a salary and pension paid or aided from public funds, and I am not able to make an exception to this principle in the case of teachers.
§ Mr. RankinIs the Minister aware that teachers who have earned their pensions are able to draw them in any other form of occupation than teaching? Does he not think that that is an injustice which is handicapping many local authorities, and will he not look at this matter again?
§ Mr. StuartI should be very glad to look at it, but I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on this subject on 12th February, 1951, by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, the right hon. Member for Leeds, South (Mr. Gaitskell).
§ Mr. RankinThat answer is well within my recollection, and if the right hon. Gentleman disapproved of it he now has the chance to remedy it.
§ 29. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to institute monthly payment of teachers' pensions.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe change to monthly payment of teachers' pensions could not conveniently be made for Scotland alone, as teachers' pensions for both Scotland and England are paid by the Paymaster General. I should not feel justified in proposing this change in the present financial circumstances of the country in view of the additional cost which would be entailed.
§ Mr. RankinHow can the payment of the total pension which must be made be affected by the financial condition of the country? Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is very unfair that those who are drawing small payments in the form of pension should have to wait as long as three months between each payment? Would he not agree that there should be greater frequency in these payments and could not he get in touch with his right hon. Friend to adjust it on a national basis?
§ Mr. StuartIt would necessitate additional accommodation as well as additional staff.