§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what circular has been issued by his Department on local government superannuation gratuities; why a draft of the relevant regulations was published before the necessary consultation had taken place; and what reply he has sent to the National Association of Local Councils which has written to him on this subject.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettCirculars 133/73 and 47/75 indicated that regulations would be made to secure the former gratuity expectations of local authority22W employees who had such expectations before becoming compulsorily superannuable. Draft regulations to this effect have been sent to the bodies. My right hon. Friend is required to consult under Section 7 of the Superannuation Act 1972, and also, as a matter of courtesy, to the National Association of Local Councils, even though the draft regulations do not affect parish or community council employees. This has now been pointed out to the Association.