§ Dr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will exempt women teachers from the payment of additional superannuation contributions to cover equal pension rights in the period 1982 to 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherNo. When the inequality between widows and widowers benefits was removed in respect of service after 6 April 1988, it was agreed that women teachers should be given the opportunity to pay additional contributions to cover their service before that date for widowers benefits. Contributions before 6 April 1988 did not cover service for widowers' benefits and such service must therefore be paid for.