HC Deb 04 March 1996 vol 273 cc81-2W
Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research his Department has commissioned on international comparisons of the treatment of pension rights on divorce; if he will set out the terms of reference of the project, the names of the researchers, the period of study and the estimated cost; what is the present status of the research; and when he expects to publish a report on the findings. [17591]

Mr. Heald

In September 1995, the Department commissioned Watson Wyatt, actuaries and consultants to carry out an International Comparison of the treatment of pension rights on divorce. Using local consultants in each country and drawing upon available literature, this work will provide comprehensive information on how pension rights are treated on divorce in nine countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the USA, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Sweden. Work is currently in progress and the first draft report is expected in the Department at the end of March 1996. A final draft report should be available by the summer. Decisions on publication will be taken when the final draft is received. The cost of this research is £81,000.