§ Mr. Rhodes Jamesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the terms for the early retirement scheme for university teachers will be announced; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mr. OakesThe universities' superannuation scheme already provides for the payment of accrued benefits to members retiring from the age of 50, at their employer's request, or from 60 in the case of retirement with the consent of the employer. Discussions are continuing on arrangements for the discretionary enhancement of accrued pension, where academic staff accept early retirement in the managerial interest of their employers. These discussions are necessarily complicated, but I appreciate the importance of an early agreement.