HC Deb 30 June 1958 vol 590 cc852-4
4. Mr. Hunter

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what proposals for new legislation he intends to introduce for the provision of old age by a National Superannuation Scheme; and if he will publish these proposals in a White Paper.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have no statement to make on this subject.

Mr. Hunter

In view of the wide public interest in national superannuation schemes, and in view of the Press publicity last week, will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement shortly?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

When and if I am in a position to make a statement I will make it, but the hon. Gentleman really must not allow himself to be misled by everything that appears either in the newspapers or in any other direction.

Mr. Shinwell

Does that mean that there is some doubt about the rumour that the Government contemplate introducing legislation for the purpose of remodelling our whole superannuation and pension scheme? Is there some doubt about it?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am sure that if the right hon. Gentleman studies my clear and succinct original Answer any doubts he may have on any subject will be reassured.

Mr. Marquand

While the right hon. Gentleman is considering whether to make a statement on this matter, will he provide the House of Commons and the country with a White Paper explaining his calculations on which in his opinion such a scheme would have to be based? Is he aware that, although he has criticised the procedure put forward by the Labour Party, he has never had the courage to bring forward his own repudiations of those figures in a White Paper?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The right hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well that I am always very happy to discuss the miscalculations of the Labour Party's scheme. Frankly, I do not know whether they rank for a White Paper. As far as information on this subject is concerned, the right hon. Gentleman will no doubt have taken the opportunity to study the Government Actuary's Report on private pension schemes which was made available, I think, about the middle of last month.

Mr. Marquand

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government Actuary does not report on the very matters referred to in The Times and by the Phillips Committee as deserving of a thorough report, with plenty of figures and details? We have not had this.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Nevertheless, I think the right hon. Gentleman might find it profitable to study the Government Actuary's Report.