HC Deb 03 February 1969 vol 777 cc14-5
30. Miss Quennell

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the review of railway superannuitants' pensions.

Mr. Carmichael

I understand that the Railways Board is reviewing its superannuation arrangements. Any proposals for changes would be put to my right hon. Friend for consent under the provisions of the Transport Act, 1962.

Miss Quennell

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary realise that the railway superannuitants have had only two increases in their pensions during the last 20 years when there have been five Pensions (Increase) Acts and their pensions are derisory? How much longer are these consultations to drag on before the Minister begins to consider whether he will improve the scheme?

Mr. Carmichael

My right hon. Friend is discussing with the Board's officials ways of improving present pensions and arrangements for the salaried staff. I hope that those discussions will allow the Board to formulate acceptable proposals to put to us. I should point out that it is the responsibility of the Railways Board to decide how much of its resources should be used in this way.

Mr. Manuel

Will my right hon. Friend recognise, however, that railway superannuitants have been very patient and waiting a long time for recognition of their just claims? Public service pensioners have had two increases and railway superannuitants throughout Britain are now in a difficult position economically.

Mr. Carmichael

My right hon. Friend is generally sympathetic towards any proposals for improvement, but he must await the formal submission by the Railways Board before judging whether he can approve any increase.

Dame Irene Ward

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that ordinary individuals who ought to be justly treated by the Railways Board cannot be expected to wait while all the fuss goes on about them with the Railways Board? Is he aware that when I asked a Question last week the answer was that it was a matter for the Railways Board? Will he now undertake, because this would encourage the Railways Board, that as soon as the matter is settled he will give immediate approval or, if the proposal is not sufficiently generous, he will push it up a bit?

Mr. Carmichael

I have tried to indicate that there have been informal discussions between the Department and Railways Board officials, but as yet there have been no formal proposals from the Railways Board to my right hon. Friend. I must reiterate that the Railways Board is responsible for deciding how much of its resources it feels, from experience, should be devoted to the pensions of superannuitants.