HC Deb 26 January 1953 vol 510 cc672-3
71. Mr. K. Thompson

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has yet decided to make regulations under the Electricity Act, 1947, to give to retired officials previously employed in local government electricity undertakings benefits equal to those provided under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1952; and if he will make a statement.

72. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will now take steps to give the benefits of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1952, to retired employees in the electricity supply industry and the ex-local government employees who retired before vesting day; and if he will make a statement on their position.

74. Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he can now say whether he will make regulations under the Gas Act, 1948, to give ex-municipal pensioners benefits similar to those conferred on other retired local government officers by the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1952.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this question, but I will do so as soon as possible.

Mr. Thompson

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a great deal of anxiety among a large number of people about this long delay, and will he please do what he can to expedite a decision in the matter?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, but, as my hon. Friend knows, questions of pensions are almost inevitably complicated and require consultation with numerous bodies.

Mr. Shurmer

When the Minister says that these matters are complicated, is he aware that quite a number of ex-municipal employees of the City of Birmingham gas undertaking are suffering as a result of the delay in the increase of pensions? There cannot be any difficulty in giving this increase to these pensioners.

Captain Duncan

Was not this question raised at the beginning of December, which means, therefore, that my right hon. Friend has had two months to consider it? When will he be ready to make a statement?

Mr. Lloyd

I have had to consult the British Electricity Authority and the Gas Council, who, in turn. have had to consult the area boards.