§ Mr. HallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the findings of the Pensions Ombudsman in respect of the National Bus Company employees: superannuation scheme; and what measures he proposes to return the £168 million plus interest received by his Department from the scheme prior to the sale of the Company. [1086]
§ Mr. WattsThe pensions ombudsman has issued his final determination on a complaint against the trustees of one of the pension funds—the bus employer superannuation trust—of the former National Bus Company. The trustees, to whom the determination is directed, are in touch with my Department about it. My Department is considering the determination and taking legal advice before replying to the trustees. It may be necessary and appropriate to ask the courts to make a ruling on the complex issues involved.
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