HC Deb 17 March 1986 vol 94 cc3-4W
Mr. Eastham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to amend the teachers' superannuation scheme to provide for equality of benefits and contributions for male and female teachers, respectively; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chris Patten

Men and women pay the same rate of contributions to the teachers' superannuation scheme and are treated in the same way with regard to benefits apart from those payable in the event of death. Although a death gratuity is payable in respect of all teachers, family benefits, subject to the completion of a minimum qualifying period, are payable automatically only on the death of a male teacher. Widowers' pensions are payable only if the teacher has earlier nominated her husband as being wholly or mainly dependent on her. My right hon. Friend accepts that there are strong arguments for equality of treatment in this as in all other features of the scheme, but there are cost implications.

The subject has been discussed in the teachers' superannuation working party, on which both teachers and the local authorities are represented. At the last meeting on 9 December 1985, the teachers' panel was informed that as a way forward my right hon. Friend was prepared to invite the Government Actuary to take automatic widowers' benefits into account when he calculates the contributions required at the next quinquennial review. I understand that the teachers' panel is currently considering this offer.