§ Mr. Mayhewasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations she or the Occupational Pensions Board has received concerning the pension entitlements of long-serving British employees of Western Union International Inc. in the United Kingdom who recently have been declared redundant; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Brian O'MalleyWe have received a number of representations, including letters from hon. Members, and I understand that the Occupational Pensions Board has also been approached in this606W connection. Whether a particular pension arrangement comes within the requirements for preserving pensions for those who leave their employment before normal pension age, contained in the Social Security Act 1973, is a matter for the Occupational Pensions Board. For a scheme to be subject to these requirements there must be a legal obligation on the employer to contribute, and on the scheme to pay benefits, and also the scheme must be established, or have a representative appointed to carry out the functions of a trustee or manager, in the United Kingdom.