§ 1. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received proposals that he should approve reductions in the pensions payable to the staff of British Railways in order to accommodate the Government's proposals in respect of National Insurance.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterWill the hon. Gentleman then give an assurance that he will in no circumstances authorise any reduction in railwaymen's pensions, already low, to accommodate national superannuation?
§ Mr. MurrayMy hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Security has given certain undertakings on the new scheme, and I have no doubt that the trade unions will be consulting the British Railways Board about the whole matter of pensions.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineThe Parliamentary Secretary has not answered my 210 right hon. Friend's question. Will he give a clear answer to the specific point which was put to him?
§ Mr. MurrayI am certainly not willing at the Box to give the undertaking sought. This is a matter for the British Railways Board, which has statutory obligations.
§ Mr. SpriggsIs my hon. Friend aware that this question is just another red herring?