§ Mr. Clemitsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what the outcome has been of consultations on the Government's legislative proposals for securing equal treatment for men and women in occupational pension schemes, as set out in his Department's consultative document of 25th August 1976; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeThese consultations are continuing. I hope that they will be assisted by the issue by my Department today of a second consultative document on equal treatment for men and women in occupational pension schemes. A copy has been placed in the Library and hon. Members can obtain a copy from the Vote Office. The document sets out the Government's legislative proposals, which have been revised in the light of many detailed and helpful comments received from individuals and organisations in response to the first consultative document. It also seeks views on two other matters—first, the implications for occupational pension schemes of the recent EEC draft directive on equality of treat-men for men and women in matters of social security, and, secondly, how best to secure progress on those recommendations in the Occupational Pensions Board's report—"Equal Status for Men 143W and Women in Occupational Pension Schemes" (Cmnd. 6599)—which are not covered by the proposed legislation and which, in the Board's view, should be implemented by voluntary action.