HC Deb 28 November 1955 vol 546 cc1904-5
17. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, in view of the fact that Her Majesty's Government are reviewing the categories of pensions covered by the Pensions (Increase) Acts, he will conduct a similar review of the pensions paid by the boards of nationalised industries under his control in respect of employees who were drawing pensions at the time of take over with a view to amending his regulations.

18. Mr. Palmer

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, whether, concurrently with the details of further measures to assist retired members of the public services, which are to be placed before Parliament in the New Year, he will lay before Parliament a review of pension schemes taken over under the Electricity Act, 1947, and the Gas Act, 1948.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

The boards are responsible for reviewing pension schemes and suggesting changes, but must seek my right hon. Friend's approval for any proposed amendments. He has received proposals from the Central Electricity Authority for increasing the pensions of their ex-company pensioners and is prepared to approve some supplementation.

Dame Irene Ward

In view of the fact that my right hon. Friend last Monday said that he must await giving me an answer until the Chancellor had given his answer on the question of the Pensions (Increase) Acts, and as that answer was favourable, may I ask now, if the nationalised boards under my hon. Friend's control bring forward schemes for increasing their pensions, they will all have his approval, because otherwise what was the purpose of the answer last week, if there is not to be a good result?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

I am sorry if my answer was not quite clear.

Dame Irene Ward

It did not cover enough.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

I think it covered a great deal. I cannot give my hon. Friend the answer that everything put to my right hon. Friend will be approved, but the proposals he has already received he is prepared to approve.

Mr. Palmer

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, in the case of the company pensioners in the electricity supply industry, they will be grateful for this necessary but belated action? Are we to assume from his answer that he has received no proposals from other nationalised industries for which he is responsible, including the gas industry?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Yes, that is so.