§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what special arrangements he is making to enable persons from industry and Government establishments, including the services, to transfer to school teaching;
(2) what machinery he is setting up to assist in safeguarding or transferring pension rights, and to provide adequate training grants during any retraining period of those who transfer from industry, Government establishments or the forces to the teaching of science and mathematics in schools.
§ Mr. RossThe Special Recruitment Scheme provides financial assistance to enable persons from other employment to study for the qualifications necessary to become a teacher in Scotland. The scheme is advertised in the Press and on television. It is brought to the particular attention of Services personnel through resettlement literature. Those entering teaching above the age of 24 receive special salary placing.
The National Superannuation and Social Insurance Bill at present before Parliament makes provision for safeguarding accrued occupational pension rights on changes of employment. Transfer of pension rights is already widely available in the public sector; and the possibility of transfers between private and public occupational schemes is being examined as part of the current reviews of the public service schemes.