HC Deb 10 January 1978 vol 941 cc688-9W
30. Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the number of firms contracting out of the second pension scheme.

Mr. Orme

The decision whether or not to contract out ultimately rests with the employer, after the necessary consultations. Neither I nor my officials would seek to influence such a decision.

I am, however, concerned about the relatively small number of contracting-out applications so far received by the Occupational Pensions Board. As time is now so short, an employer who wishes to be contracted out from 6th April 1978 should aim to despatch his application to the Occupational Pensions Board as soon as possible after the expiry of the statutory three-month period of notice of his intention to his employees, recognised trade unions and others concerned.

33. Mr. Budgen

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many employees are expected to be contracted out of the new second pension scheme.

Mr. Orme

At this stage the best estimate we have been able to make is that around 9 million employees may be contracted out of part of the new State pension scheme.