§ 32. Sir B. Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress he has made in his discussions with representatives of the Life Offices Association and other bodies responsible for the administration of private occupational pension schemes in regard to contracting out; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CrossmanI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Gorton (Mr. Marks) on 28th April.—[Vol. 782, c. 161–2.]
§ Sir B. Rhys WilliamsDoes the Secretary of State approve the suggestion by the Life Offices Association that the contribution from general taxation to the fund should be increased as time goes by?
§ Mr. CrossmanThat is a different question. We have started the discussions, and our first consultative document 961 was issued on 24th April. This set out the system of contracting-out proposed and indicated the range for the amount of the pension abatement, so we are now discussing the first step.