HC Deb 18 May 1953 vol 515 c104W
68. Mr. G. Thomson

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power on what date he proposes to award the increased pensions which he has undertaken to give to former employees of local authority electricity and gas undertakings; and how far the increased pensions will be retrospective.

Mr. Hale

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is now in a position to report when the increase of pensions under the Pensions Increase Act, 1952, will be payable to the pensioners who were formerly employed in the gas industry.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

In my right hon. Friend's answer to the hon. and learned Member for West Ham, South (Mr. Elwyn Jones) on 27th April he explained the arrangements being made by the British Electricity Authority and the area electricity boards. He has now consulted the Gas Council, and the area gas boards are making similar arrangements. The schemes when completed will be retrospective to 1st October, 1952, for both industries, and advance payments are meanwhile being arranged.