§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the timetable and consultation procedure on proposals to modify the arrangements for meeting the pension costs of early retirement for teachers in maintained and in independent schools. [9303]
§ Mrs. GillanThe proposals were issued for consultation on 22 October 1996, with a closing date for responses of 17 January 1997. My right hon. Friend will take final decisions after that date.
§ Mr. BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will estimate the increase in contingent liabilities for trustees of schools administered by charities following the proposed modification of funding arrangements for early retirement pensions for teachers. [9304]
§ Mrs. GillanMy right hon. Friend does not expect there to be an increase in contingent liabilities following the proposed reforms of premature retirement arrangements for teachers. Independent schools make their own decisions on premature retirement. The ongoing pension costs they will incur for premature retirements granted after 1 April 1997 will be liabilities, but they will not be contingent.