HC Deb 03 February 1988 vol 126 c622W
Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to reduce the Government 's contribution under the Transport Act 1980 to the British Rail pension scheme or to the National Freight Corporation pension scheme.

Mr. David Mitchell

I have no immediate plans to reduce these pension contributions. But the amounts involved are substantial (some £90 million a year to railway pension schemes, and £6 million to NFC schemes), so that the necessity for them must be kept under review. I am in touch with the chairman of British Rail about this and would, of course, also consult the chairman of the NFC before deciding on any action which would affect the contribution to NFC schemes.

Any changes in the existing arrangements for Exchequer funding of BR or NFC pensions would require primary legislation, and would not affect any pension rights already earned.