§ 27. Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will introduce legislation to allow ex-Post Office employees to have transfer of pension rights when they leave the service of the Post Office before retiring age.
§ Mr. ChatawayNo, Sir. Facilities for transferring the pension rights of Post Office employees are on a par with those in the Civil Service.
§ Mr. HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some people who have left the Post Office recently, like some constituents of mine—I am thinking of one in particular who is now employed by a Scottish bank, prepared to accept the transfer of pension rights but frustrated because of the lack of legislation—are suffering because of the lack of the right to transfer pension rights? Does he agree that there are difficulties, and will he do something to cure them?
§ Mr. ChatawayIt is not a matter which requires legislation. I understand that it is the Post Office's intention to try to negotiate as wide an extension of transferability as possible.