HC Deb 21 January 1954 vol 522 cc1195-7
41. Mr. Ian Harvey

asked the Minister of Education whether she has considered the Report of the Working Party on Teachers' Superannuation; and whether she will make a statement about raising the rate of contributions under the scheme, in view of the last report of the Government Actuary.

Miss Horsbrugh

Yes, Sir. I have considered the Report and it is my intention to introduce, as soon as possible, a Bill which will give effect to most of the recommendations made by the working party. The Bill will provide for raising the rate of contribution by both the teacher and the employer from 5 per cent. to 6 per cent., and for liquidating the accrued actuarial deficiency in the account under the scheme.

I am authorised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland to say that the Bill will include provisions for making corresponding changes, where necessary, in the Education (Scotland) Act of 1946.

Mr. Harvey

Will my right hon. Friend say whether the teachers are likely to receive any compensating advantages under this new provision?

Miss Horsbrugh

Yes. The Bill will be published shortly and, as hon. Members will see, there are a good many Clauses dealing with particular advantages that the teachers have asked for.

Mr. Morley

Is the right hon. Lady aware that there will be considerable opposition to the proposal to increase the rate of contributions?

Miss Horsbrugh

I hope that it will become less when hon. Members have seen the Bill.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is not the increase in contribution equivalent to a decrease in salary? Ought it not to be taken into account in the new Burnham scales, which will otherwise become out-of-date almost as soon as they come into effect?

Miss Horsbrugh

The hon. Gentleman no doubt realises that many of the members of the working party dealing with the problem have also been dealing with the Burnham scales. The state of the account was well known to those who were negotiating the Burnham salary scales.

Mr. Rankin

As Scotland is affected, can the right hon. Lady tell us whether the Educational Institute of Scotland has been consulted and, if so, what its attitude is to the proposed change?

Miss Horsbrugh

The hon. Gentleman should put that question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.