§ Ms Rachel SquireTo ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the present arrangement in the British Coal staff superannuation scheme of allowing staff to retire at 50 years of age will continue for present employees; whether the Government will continue to meet the cost from 50 years to 60 years; and on which vote the cost will be borne.
§ Mr. EggarThe arrangements under which members of the British Coal staff superannuation scheme can qualify for pensions at 50 is a matter for the corporation and the scheme trustees. The related obligation on British Coal to make "additional contributions" in respect of early and enhanced pensions will continue to be honoured and to attract Government financial support. The cost to Government is borne on vote 5 within the Department's expenditure.