Scottish Bus Group Pension Fund

HC Deb 30 January 2002 vol 379 cc346-7W

Annabelle Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the answer of the Chief Secretary to the Treasury,Official Report, 21 January 2002, column 661W, on the Scottish Bus Group Pension Fund, on what dates Scotland Office Ministers discussed the matter of the Scottish Bus Group Pension Fund Holders with Treasury Ministers; and what view the Scotland Office put forward in those discussions. [30869]

Mr. Foulkes

[holding answer 28 January 2002]: I am in regular contact with Treasury Ministers on a wide range of matters, including the Scottish Transport Group Pension Fund surplus. These discussions are held on a confidential basis.

I am pleased to note that, following recent discussions between the Treasury and the Scottish Executive, the amount now available for distribution to eligible former pension fund members has increased to £118 million, which I am sure is welcome news to them. It is necessary for the trustees to wind-up the pension schemes before ex-gratia payments can be made to former pension fund members.