§ 37. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Health on what date one of his predecessors received a deputation, introduced by the hon. Member for Tyne-mouth, from the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Midwives, and another professional organisation; and when the recommendations, which he accepted, are to be introduced in new superannuation regulations.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithOn 8th December, 1955. I am not proposing to introduce amending National Health Service Superannuation Regulations until such changes as are necessitated by the introduction of a graduated National Insurance Pension scheme can be included. The Regulations, when introduced, will cover the proposal communicated to the Royal College of Nursing on 3rd October, 1956.
§ Dame Irene WardThough one realises that one has to wait for the new superannuation regulations, does not my right hon. and learned Friend agree it is very hard that these people whose position will be improved, although they are few in number, should have to wait from 1955 to 1959 without having a little amelioration of their condition, to which the Minister agreed? Is it fair to deal with small people in this rather hard way?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithWhat the then Minister undertook to do was to include this provision when he put before Parliament proposals for general amending regulations. With regard to the general amending regulations, I think we can expect that the need will now arise before long in the context of the proposals before Parliament for a graduated National Insurance pensions scheme.