Mineworkers' Pension Scheme

HC Deb 20 February 1959 vol 600 cc102-3W

Mr. Shinwell

asked the Paymaster-General by what authority his Department directs the use of the Mineworkers' Pension Fund.

Mr. Maudling

The Minister's authority in regard to the use of the funds of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme is prescribed by Parliament in Section 37 of the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act, 1946, as amended by Section 4 of the Coal Industry Act, 1949, and the Coal Industry Nationalisation (Superannuation) Regulations, 1950, made thereunder.

Under these statutory provisions, any arrangements for the payment of pensions out of the funds of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme must have the Minister's approval.

Mr. Shinwell

asked the Paymaster-General what representations have been made to him by the National Coal Board or the National Union of Mineworkers on the disposal of the Mineworkers' Pension Fund.

Mr. Reginald Maudling

The Minister has been asked to approve proposals for payment out of the funds of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme of pensions to miners who retired before the Scheme came into force on 1st January, 1952.

Though my noble Friend has the greatest sympathy with the motives behind these proposals, he has been unable to approve them as these ex-miners were never members of the Scheme which, it is suggested, should carry the costs.