HC Deb 23 May 1979 vol 967 cc149-50W
27. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the method of payments being made of superannuation benefits to retired teachers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Yes, though I greatly regret the inconvenience caused to pensioners by recent industrial action. Some 19,000 payments are made each month to retired teachers by payable orders issued by the Scottish Office computer, and normally this is an efficient method. Owing to industrial action between February and May, however, it was not possible to make the payments for March and April at the usual time. I am glad to say that the March payments were issued on 10 May and those due at the end of April were issued yesterday.