§ 24. Mr. Marquandasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent he is undertaking further studies in order to amplify the information already provided in the Government Actuary's Survey of Occupational Pension Schemes.
§ Mr. SimonI would refer the right hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, North-East (Sir K. Joseph) on 17th June, 1958.
§ Mr. MarquandWhatever that reply may have been, will the hon. and learned Gentleman now undertake to publish as soon as possible the findings of any inquiries which are made? Is he aware that The Times on 28th May listed no less than seven important types of information which should be published? Is he further aware of the inspired statement in the Daily Telegraph yesterday that
The Government may decide to test Parliamentary and public opinion by the issue of a White Paper this summer but this is by no means certain … If the decision is to go ahead with a definite scheme, no White Paper will be needed"?Can the Financial Secretary assure us that the rights of the House of Commons in this matter will be respected and that information collected will be placed before the House so that all hon. Members may have an opportunity of studying it before any legislation is introduced?
§ Mr. SimonI assure the right hon. Gentleman that the rights of the House will certainly be respected. The other matters fall within the compass of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance.
§ Mr. MarquandIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this Question was originally put down to his right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance but was transferred to the Chancellor of the Exchequer?