§ Sir Edward Gardnerasked the Lord Privy Seal if he has any plans to introduce amending legislation relating to the position of an hon. Member to whom sections 26 and 30 of the Parliamentary and Other Pensions Act 1972 apply.
§ Mr. BiffenOn appointment to an office to which section 26 of the Act of 1972 applies, a Member ceases to be a contributor to and a prospective pensioner of the parliamentary contributory pension fund. Contributions already paid are refunded when service ends under section 30 of that Act, the ultimate pension being non-contributory and not related to length of service. However, I am advised that the provisions relating to the cessation and ultimate refund of contributions do not cover payments made for the purchase of added years. It is, therefore, my intention to include appropriate provision in the Bill which will be introduced to give effect, inter alia, to the resolution of the House of 19 July 1983 relating to Members' pensions. In anticipation of this legislation, and with the concurrence of the Treasury, I have authorised discontinuance of the deductions forthwith in appropriate cases.