§ 4. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Minister of Labour when he will be able to state the form and timing of legislation to bring about the transferability of private pension schemes.
§ Mr. HattersleyWe are not yet in a position to make a statement about this.
§ Mr. JenkinsDoes my hon. Friend recognise that this failure to make any statement, or even to say when he will be able to make a statement, and his right hon. Friend's equal failure are causing a great deal of uncertainty throughout the whole of this area? Does he recognise that it is part of Government policy to do what is suggested in the Question? Will he agree to further consideration so that the uncertainty can be brought to an end?
§ Mr. HattersleyCertainly I will agree to further consideration, because consideration is perpetual. It is on the matter of making a statement that I cannot be tied to a date.
§ Mr. John PageIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this figured a great deal in various election speeches by Ministers about the transferability of pensions and the effect on the mobility of labour? It is not good enough not to be given a time or any further information about when a statement on this important subject will be made by the Government.
§ Mr. HattersleySome help has been given to the House by the report on the subject by the National Joint Advisory Council, but I can only reiterate that this is a subject of some complexity and that actual dates for implementation will have to be awaited.