§ Mr. DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in what respect the terms and conditions of the teachers' superannuation arrangements for fee-paying schools differ from those for the state sector. [20159]
§ Mrs. GillanTeachers at maintained schools become members of the teachers' superannuation scheme unless they elect not to do so. Those at independent schools become scheme members if the establishment is an accepted school under regulation B4 of the Teachers Superannuation (Consolidation) regulations 1988(as amended). There are no other appreciable differences between the provisions for maintained and independent schools.
§ Mr. DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what additional financial provision has been made for the teachers' superannuation regime for fee-paying schools. [20160]
§ Mrs. GillanIn common with other employers of teachers, fee paying schools will benefit from the reduction in the employers' contribution rate from 8.05 per cent. to 7.2 per cent. with effect from 1 July 1997. In the independent sector, the reduction will save £9 million in a full year. That money can be used to fund premature retirements, if independent schools wish to use it for that purpose.