§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister for Overseas Development what is the outcome of the review of British pensions increases to expatriate pensioners of the Dependent Territories.
§ Mr. Tomlinson:After consultations with the Overseas Service Pensioners' Association it has been agreed that for the purpose of calculating supplements to pensions payable to pensioners of the dependent territories who are eligible for such supplements under the Pensions (Increase) Act
- (i) where the pensioner retired on or before 30th June 1976 that date will be used as the base date in regard to changes in sterling value on account of variations in the exchange rate;
- (ii) where the pensioner had not retired before 1st July 1976 his date of retirement will be the base date for that purpose.
These pensioners will thus be treated on the same principles as apply to pensioners of independent overseas countries and to their United Kingdom public service counterparts.
The necessary amending regulations, the Overseas Service (Pensions Supplement) (Amendment) Regulations 1977, have been laid before the House.