§ 57. Sir B. Rhys Williamsasked the Minister for the Civil Service what steps he will take to protect the value of rights preserved in statutory occupational pension schemes.
§ The Minister without Portfolio and Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Peter Shore)Preserved pensions are increased under the Pensions (Increase) Acts in line with the increases payable on pensions already in payment.
§ Sir B. Rhys WilliamsIs it intended that the pensions should increase in accordance with the earnings index or the cost of living index?
§ Mr. ShoreThere is a review going on at the present time. I think we should wait until it has been completed.
§ 58. Sir B. Rhys Williamsasked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a statement of his intentions in regard to post-retirement increases in annuities payable under statutory occupational pension schemes.
§ Mr. ShoreFuture arrangements for increasing public service and Armed Forces pensions are still under examination and the Government are not yet ready to make a statement of their intentions.
§ Sir B. Rhys WilliamsWill the question not arise also in regard to Civil Service pensions? Will the Government not be more specific?
§ Mr. ShoreI am sure that the Government will be only too pleased to be specific when these matters, which are complex, have been studied thoroughly.