HC Deb 20 July 1982 vol 28 cc204-5
18. Mr. Iain Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to improve the opportunities for teachers to make additional voluntary contributions to retirement pensions in order to increase the value of the pension.

Dr. Boyson

The teachers' superannuation scheme already offers its members a facility to purchase additional years of pensionable service. Revised arrangements negotiated with the teachers are due to be introduced next month which will further enhance this facility by removing age restrictions and offering the opportunity to make second and subsequent elections to purchase added years.

Mr. Mills

I thank my hon. Friend for his useful reply. Will he bear in mind the views of my constituent, Mr. John Smith of Meriden, on the role that voluntary bodies, in this case building societies, can play in strengthening additional voluntary contributions for teachers' pensions?

Dr. Boyson

I shall certainly do that. I shall refer the matter to the teachers' superannuation working party. However, it has just occurred to me that, since I taught for 23 years—just as you taught, Mr. Speaker—I should perhaps declare a special interest in this question.

Mr. Guy Barnett

Will the Minister investigate the possibility of allowing the many teachers who have been made redundant to purchase into their pension scheme after redundancy?

Dr. Boyson

We shall certainly look into that question and I shall write to the hon. Gentleman about it.