asked the Minister for the Public Service the total cost to the Exchequer of public service pensions increases effective in 1983; and the amount of that total cost that was postponed for payment until 1984.
Written Answers. - Public Service Pension Increases.
293.
The estimated total cost to the Exchequer of public service pensions increases effective in 1983 was £5,429,000. Of this sum, £1,950,000 was the approximate cost of the special concession under which the first phase increase of the 1983 public service pay agreement was, in general, to be applied with effect from 1 September 1983 to pensions in course of payment on that date. Given the administrative procedures in operation at the time and, in addition, delay by certain groups in accepting the terms of the public service pay agreement, it was not possible to effect payment of the £1,950,000 before the end of 1983. This amount excludes the payment due to former Department of Posts and Telegraphs pensioners whose liability is being met by the new boards.