§ Mr. IllsleyTo ask the Prime Minister what proposals the Government have for the division of the surplus in the mineworkers' pension scheme. [113256]
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§ The Prime MinisterUnder the agreement made between the Government and the coal pension scheme trustees in 1994, the Government guarantee inflation linked pensions and receive 50 per cent. of any declared surplus in exchange. Already the Government have covered earlier deficits and additional contributions of £400 million. The Government have received no representations from trustees for changing the division of surplus but the DTI are exploring with the trustees the scope for building upon the success achieved to date in terms of benefits for pensions.