§ Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a considerable number of male teachers in Scotland are desirous of making contributory provision for pensions for their widows; and if he can form any estimate of the actuarial possibilities based upon an additional contribution by the teachers of r per cent. of their salaries?
§ Mr. ElliotI would refer the hon. Member to the Teachers (Superannuation) Act, recently passed by Parliament, which will permit the allocation of part of a teacher's annual retiring allowances to a spouse or dependant. In the event of the death of a male teacher who has taken advantage of these provisions, the benefits so allocated could continue to be paid to the widow or dependant. The principles of the Bill were agreed with representatives of the teachers. I am not aware of any general desire for further provision of the kind indicated in the question. I would also refer the hon. Member to the Widows',1270W Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions (Voluntary Contributors) Act, 1937, which received the Royal Assent on the first of this month. Under this Act male teachers will have the opportunity of insuring for widows' and orphans' pensions. In view of the foregoing facts I do not feel that an actuarial investigation of the effect of an additional contribution by male teachers is called for.