HC Deb 10 April 2002 vol 383 cc257-8W
Annabelle Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make public(a)correspondence, records of verbal communication and other documents and communications between himself and the Scottish Executive and (b)advice which he has received in connection with the Scottish Transport Group Pension schemes, the winding up thereof and the disposal of and entitlement to surplus funds there from. [48283]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The Scottish Executive is responsible for these schemes. They announced in December 2000 how the surplus is being distributed.

Annabelle Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated value is of the Scottish Transport Group pension fund at 31 March; and whether increases in the value of the fund following 31 March 2000 will accrue to(a)the fund and (b)Her Majesty's Government. [48053]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The Scottish Executive announced in November 2001 that the estimated net of tax surplus as at 31 March 2001 is £168 million and that £118 million is to be distributed as ex gratia payments by the Scottish Executive, which includes an additional £18 million as a result of an increase in the net of tax surplus. The size of the surplus as at 31 March 2002 is not yet known.

Annabelle Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reasons underlie the proposed distribution of the surplus from the Scottish Transport Group pension schemes; what part of the distributed surplus is to be used for a contingency fund in respect of indemnities against the risk of legal action based on the actions of trustees; and whether in the event that there are no successful claims against that contingency fund, it will be the subject of a subsequent distribution to Scottish Transport Group pensioners. [48052]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The wind-up of the STG pension schemes is being taken forward by the trustees and the Scottish Executive. The Scottish Executive has announced that £118 million will be made available as ex gratia payments to pensioners. I understand that there is no intention that any part of that sum will be used for a contingency fund against potential legal action.