HC Deb 16 December 1954 vol 535 cc1958-9
20. Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

asked the Minister of Education whether he will include in his prospective legislation provision to allow retired teachers the option of drawing their pensions monthly instead of quarterly.

Sir D. Eccles

This is a matter which can be raised in the course of the forthcoming consultations with the teachers and local authorities on the superannuation scheme.

Mr. MacPherson

In view of the fact that retired teachers are probably the only group—certainly the only sizeable group—that has not the option of monthly payments, is not this a matter on which the Minister himself should make up his mind? In view of the fact that a change in the date of payment does not involve contributions or amounts, what is the status of the local education authorities in these discussions?

Sir D. Eccles

We are to have roundtable discussions, and I have no doubt that this point will be one of those to be brought forward. I do not think it would be sensible to decide this matter by itself, but rather that we should try to get a comprehensive settlement on all these points.