HC Deb 22 November 1977 vol 939 cc667-8W
62. Mr. MacGregor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on his policy on the proposals for trade union representation on pension fund boards.

Mr. Ennals

It remains the Government's policy to introduce legislation to secure member participation in the running of occupational pension schemes by using the proven channels between employers and the independent trade unions which they have recognised. Following extensive consultations we have concluded, as already announced by my right hon. Friend, that under this legislation those nominated to the board of management of a pension scheme should ordinarily be members of that scheme. It will not, however, be practicable to introduce the legislation in the present Session. This postponement may be helpful to those preoccupied with the work relating to contracting out of the new State pension scheme. Little time remains for this work in the case of those wishing to contract out from the start of the scheme.—[Vol. 931, c.437–8.]