At this stage I should like to reply to an earlier query of Deputy Colley's. I omitted to reply to that query on Second Stage. The Deputy asked me to tell the House the main agreed recommendations of the working party which reported in June, 1973. There are quite a number but I should like to tell the Deputy the ones of most significance. Before the changes one had to have 45 years' service in order to qualify for one-and-a-half years' salary but now one-and-a-half years' salary gratuity can be obtained on 40 years' service. Secondly, pensionable service which was once reckoned by reference to completed years is now reckoned by reference to completed days for all types of benefit. At one time an officer who prior to establishment had at any time served in a part-time capacity was allowed to reckon part-time service of 18 hours per week or more on a pro rata basis where that service was given after 1st June, 1973. Part-time service is now available whether it was worked before or after 1st June, 1973. Officers who do not enter the civil service early enough to earn full pension at the age of 65 are now allowed to purchase extra years of pension credit to compensate, within certain limits, for the difference. The minimum qualifying period of five years for death gratuities and pensions under the contributory widows' and children's scheme was abolished and now a gratuity of one year's pay and a widow's and children's pension are payable in respect of established civil servants who die in service, no matter what his period in service may be. There are others.
Superannuation and Pensions Bill, 1976: Fifth Stage.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
I am grateful to the Minister.
Question put and agreed to.
By agreement of the House there will be no other business until after Question Time.
Business suspended at 1.30 p.m. and resumed at 2.30 p.m.