HC Deb 27 November 1992 vol 214 c871W
Mr. Bowden

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to promote new EC legislation on the transferability of occupational pensions during the Government's presidency of the European Commission.

Miss Widdecombe

During the United Kingdom presidency of the Council of Ministers we have tabled a resolution which, if adopted by the Council, seeks the implementation of measures which recognise that workers should be able to move between member states without undue loss of occupational pension rights. The resolution gives as examples of methods by which rights may be protected, both preservation and revaluation in the member's existing scheme, and transfers to a scheme in the other member state.

The resolution calls on member states to investigate whether other obstacles to the mobility of workers existing in the occupational pensions field and, if so, how they can be removed. It calls on the Commission to report on measures taken by member states and to consider whether further action is required.