§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what consultations have taken place between his Department and British Leyland with regard to pension rights for the company's employees; and whether any improvement or extension of pensions has been arranged or is planned to be implemented during 1975.
§ Mr. KaufmanPension arrangements are matters for negotiation between the company and its employees and my Department has not been involved in the consultations. British Leyland is introducing a new and improved pension scheme for hourly paid employees with effect from 1st September 1975. I understand that this scheme has been under discussion since September 1974 and that negotiations were concluded in May of this year. Over 75 per cent. of those eligible have applied for membership of the scheme.