§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That the Draft National Health Service (Superannuation) (Amendment) Regulations, 1958, a copy of which was laid before this House on 28th February, be approved.—[Mr. R. Thompson.]
§ 11.25 p.m.
§ Dame Irene Ward (Tynemouth)I should like to ask one question about these Regulations. This is a narrow point but it has the support of all those who are interested in superannuation problems. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health will recollect that some two years ago it was understood that when the next superannuation Regulations were brought before the House some other matters would be dealt with, and I should like an assurance that if those matters are not covered by these present Regulations they will be dealt with very quickly.
It would not be in order to discuss them now, but I should like to know if my hon. Friend remembers a deputation on behalf of the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives to my right hon. and learned Friend's predecessor who is now Minister of Labour and National Service. I should like to know whether we are likely to have Regulations or an Order embodying the points which were discussed then, which are matters affecting human problems and human lives.
§ 11.27 p.m.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Richard Thompson)I appreciate my hon. Friend's anxiety that the matter in connection with which she led a deputation a couple of years ago should be settled to her satisfaction. All I would say is that the review which we then undertook to carry out is indeed in hand. I am hopeful that it will not be long before we may be able to formulate some proposals in this connection, and when the time arrives we shall be able to consult the Royal College of Nursing which is the interest which my hon. Friend has in mind.
A lot of actuarial calculation is involved in this matter, and until that has been completed we shall not be in a position to make any proposals at all, but I assure her that the matter is going ahead and we are doing our best.
§ Dame Irene WardI am obliged.
§ Question put and agreed to.