§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, if he will now introduce legislation to extend public sector pension schemes to part-time employees.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the proposed regulations which would allow part-time employees in local government to join the appropriate superannuation scheme.
My right hon. Friend has been considering these proposals for some time. There is a number of aspects to be taken into account, including of course the cost implications, but he hopes to be able to announce his decision before too long.