§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to make the pensions payable to the widowers of women teachers the equal of those payable to the widows of men teachers with the same service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherWidowers' benefits were introduced into the teachers' superannuation scheme with effect from 6 April 1988 and service from that date counts automatically for that purpose. Subsequent actuarial valuations of the scheme will take the cost of such benefits into account in determining the normal contribution rate. Women teachers can elect to cover service before 6 April 1988 on terms better than those offered to men teachers in similar circumstances in 1972.