§ Mr. FavellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will introduce regulations to allow part-time local government employees to buy additional service for pension purposes.
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[holding answer 14 April 1989]: These proposed regulations were held up for a long time by a dispute between the local government employers and unions. Since this was settled we have needed to consult other Departments on the proposal that the regulations should apply not only to present employees but to those who have retired since April 1986. This has just been agreed. We will now give the preparation of the regulations as much priority as possible. In view of this agreement those employees who retire before the regulations are made will not be placed at a disadvantage.