§ 10. Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any intention to make regulations regarding any diminution of emoluments or pension rights under section 84 of the Transport Act 1985; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellI have no plans to make such regulations.
§ Mr. MarshallThe Minister's answer is just not good enough—[Laughter] Does he not realise— seriously, because it is not a laughing matter— that the emoluments and conditions of many bus workers are being eroded as a result of the Act? Transfers to inferior pension schemes and loss of travel concessions are only two examples. If that is all the result of privatisation of the bus industry, does the Minister agree that it is only right, fair and just that regulations awarding compensation should be introduced as soon as possible?
§ Mr. MitchellSection 84 regulations relate only to charge directly associated with transfer. I know of none where that could be applicable as directly associated with transfer. In some cases there were changes before transfer and there have been changes for new recruits. Perhaps that is what the hon. Gentleman has in mind, but section 84 does not apply in those cases.