§ 35. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister for the Civil Service what changes he now proposes to make in the pension arrangements of the Civil Service to accommodate the Government's proposals for national superannuation following discussions with the staff associations.
§ The Minister Without Portfolio and Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Peter Shore)Discussions with staff associations will cover many aspects of Civil Service superannuation. It is much too soon to expect them to have reached conclusions.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that that makes things very difficult for hon. Members who have to consider a Bill dealing with this matter today? Can he not at least give a firm and clear assurance that there is no question of going back on the civil servants' non-contributory pension to make room for a contributory national insurance pension?
§ Mr. ShoreWe have gone over these matters in the House and there will be further opportunity later today. But I repeat to the right hon. Gentleman what has already been said to him a number of times—that, in our judgment, when one combines the new State pension scheme with the occupational benefit which civil servants at present enjoy, they will, over all, be better off than previously.