HC Deb 27 April 1981 vol 3 c317W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Lord Privy Seal how much was paid by the European Economic Community by way of pensions and other allowances to former members of the European Economic Community Commission in the most recent annual period for which figures are available; how many former Commissioners were in receipt of such pensions and allowances; what were the highest, lowest and average payments made to individual former Commissioners; if the pensions will be index-linked; and if he will provide the information in the £ sterling equivalent of European units of account.

Sir Ian Gilmour

The appropriation in the 1981 budget for pension payments to former members of the Commission and their dependents is £733,841—1,166,000 ECU. Details of the number of former Commissioners receiving pensions and of the size of individual payments are not available. The pensions are not index-linked, but are revised at the same time as staff salaries in accordance with Council regulation 1546/73 (OJ No. L155 of 11.6.73).

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Lord Privy Seal if the pensions received by former Commissioners of the EEC are contributory; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Ian Gilmour

Pensions received by former Commissioners are non-contributory and are as laid down in Council regulation 422/67/EEC of 25 July 1967.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Lord Privy Seal at what age a former Commissioner of the EEC becomes eligible for pension; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Ian Gilmour

A former Commissioner is entitled to a pension from the age of 65, but the pension may be paid at a reduced rate from age 60, in accordance with Council regulation 422/67/EEC of 25 July 1967 (OJ 187 of 8:8:67).