§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the concern felt by the pensioners formerly employed by the West and East Ham Tramways Corporations, at not receiving the various pensions increases under the Pensions Increases Acts to local government employees; and, in view of the fact that these workers were promised, on being taken over by the London Passenger Transport Executive, that they would maintain their conditions, what action he has taken to remedy this situation.
§ Mr. Harold LeverAt the request of the local authorities concerned, the Treasury have made Extension Orders, under successive Pensions (Increase) Acts, empowering the local authorities to increase the pensions of staff formerly employed in their tramway undertakings by amounts not exceeding those set out in the Acts. Within these limits the amounts paid are entirely for the local authorities to determine. I understand that the practice of the local authorities has been to increase that portion of each pension which relates to service rendered prior to the transfer to the (then) London Passenger Transport Board as if it were subject to the Pensions (Increase) Acts.
It is entirely a matter for the London Transport Board to decide whether to 155W increase the portion of each pension relating to service after transfer to the London Passenger Transport Board.