HC Deb 11 July 1963 vol 680 c1399
20. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Education if he will seek to amend Section 2 of the Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1937, in order to make it easier for teachers to undertake periods of voluntary service overseas without loss of pension.

Sir E. Boyle

I shall be ready to consider possible amendments when the opportunity occurs for legislation. But I do not think that the present arrangements, which are designed to safeguard pension rights by requiring contributions based on the last salary received in this country, are unreasonable.

Mr. Noel-Baker

That is a rather negative answer. Does not the Minister agree that it is highly desirable that British teachers and other qualified people should be given every opportunity for voluntary service overseas? Will he look at the whole question again, and see what he cando to provide an early opportunity for legislation?

Sir E. Boyle

I cannot give a date in respect of this matter now, but in principle Ithink that it is not unreasonable, if teachers working overseas are ultimately to receive the same pension as they would have received had they remained in this country, that either they or their employers should pay the standard rate of contribution during their service overseas. The hon. Member and I have had correspondence on a particular case. I feel that our present arrangements are not unreasonable.