§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many occupational pensions schemes have so far submitted their preservation rules to the Occupational Pensions Board in accordance with the provisions of the Social Security Act 1973; what proportion of the total number of schemes that represents; and how many have had replies from the board.
§ Mr. O'MalleyThe board has informed me that up to the 4th April 1975, 3,921 schemes have been submitted direct to the board and 3,402 replies have been sent. The board also informed me that it has so far examined 8,792 further schemes which were submitted to the Joint Office which the board shares with the Superannuation Funds Office of Inland Revenue, and has given any necessary advice. In 1971, the latest date for which figures are available, the Government Actuary estimated that there were about 65,000 occupational pension schemes in the United Kingdom. But it would be misleading to use this figure to work out the proportion requested by the hon. Member because there is no obligation on schemes to approach the board in connection with any amendment necessary to conform with the preservation requirements.