Retired General Practitioners (Pensions)

HC Deb 02 May 1966 vol 727 cc1221-2

26. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Minister of Health on what grounds retired general practitioners were recently awarded a 2 per cent. increase in their pensions.

Mr. K. Robinson

The Pensions (Increase) Act, 1965, provides for increases in pensions payable under the National Health Service Superannuation Scheme to those who retired on or before 1st April, 1964. The increases ranged from 2 per cent. to 16 per cent. according to the date of retirement.

Mr. Godman Irvine

Could the Minister add a little to that Answer and help me to explain the position to my constituents, all of whom seem to have come in the 2 per cent. class?

Mr. Robinson

I can only suggest that that is an odd coincidence. The 2 per cent. figure is applicable only to those whose pensions began between 1st April, 1963, and 1st April, 1964. I have no power to grant increases other than in accordance with these Acts.