§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord President of the Council whether, in view of the new scheme introduced by the Government from April to enable civil servants to take a voluntary retirement on pensions at 55 years of age, he will consider introducing a similar scheme of the same basis for hon. and right hon. Members.
§ Mr. BiffenThe new voluntary early retirement scheme for civil servants over the age of 55, which has been introduced from 1 April 1983, is designed to assist in reducing departmental staff surpluses, to help resolve current management difficulties and to improve efficiency. Such a scheme would not be appropriate for Members of Parliament.