Sir F. HALLasked the President of the Board of Education what is the number of teachers who have actually retired under the provisions of the Superannuation Act, 1918, since that measure came into operation in April last; and how many teachers have actually been awarded pensions and gratuities up to the present time?
§ Mr. FISHERI am not aware of the number of teachers who have retired since the 1st of April, 1919, but the Board have received 1,723 formal applications for Superannuation Allowances from teachers of over sixty under that Act since that date. Awards have been made in 1,027 of these cases, while in twenty-one of them allowances have been refused because the teachers were ineligible. 269 formal applications for Superannuation Allowances on the ground of infirmity have also been received; in sixty-three of these awards have been made, and in thirty-four allowances have been refused.
§ Mr. CHARLES EDWARDSasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that ex-Service school teachers are compelled by the Board of Education to undergo a medical examination at their own cost before they can be accepted by the Board for full benefits under the superannuation scheme, notwithstanding the fact that they were declared fit on 1164W entering the profession and also on entering His Majesty's Service and whether he will take steps to secure that this examination referred to be discontinued?
§ Mr. FISHERI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Fulham. West, on the 10th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.