§ 62. Mr. A. Robertsasked the Paymaster-General if he has now informed the National Coal Board of his sanction to the National Coal Board Pension Scheme becoming applicable to those who retired from the mining industry before the scheme was operative.
§ Sir I. HorobinNo, Sir. Such a proposal raises important points of principle and requires careful consideration.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes the Minister appreciate that if pensions were given to these retired miners the total cost would be only £2½ million—not a year, but for all time? Does he realise that these retired miners are between 75 and 80 years of age and that, whereas the coal owners receive their compensation, the miners who retired before 1951 are without any pension at all?
§ Sir I. HorobinThat may be, but there are far-reaching possible repercussions, as I am sure the hon. Member realises, which must be very carefully considered.