CAB129-78 — Page 42

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58

(THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT)

SECRET

C.P.(55) 164

26th October, 1955

CABINET

COPY NO.

ta

TEACHERS' SUPERANNUATION

Memorandum by the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Education

On 4th October, 1955 (C. M. (55) 34th Conclusions, Minute 2) we were authorised to discuss with representatives of the teachers and the local authorities the proposals for a new teachers' superannuation scheme outlined in C. P. (55) 138. We have now done this.

2.

The local authorities were ready to accept the Government's offer as a whole, some of them on the understanding that it would form part of an agreed settlement and be enacted in a non-controversial Bill. We do not think that they would oppose our proposals in the House whatever the line taken by the teachers.

3. The teachers' representatives would not commit themselves without further consultation with their constituents. They are not likely to express support for the offer, but their leaders appreciate that it includes very big gains for the teachers, especially stability in the rate of contribution. If they oppose the settlement we do not think that their opposition will be as strong or as strongly supported as it was in the case of the 1954 Bill.

4.

The teachers are very keen to have additional benefits for widows and orphans. The 1954 Bill, if enacted, would have allowed teachers to allocate a part of existing benefits to their dependants, thus giving them a choice which they do not have at present. The local authorities made it quite clear that they would not accept a proposal for additional benefits for widows and orphans such as would require additional contributions from employers. We do not think it reasonable to press the local

authorities in this matter.

5. We therefore propose, if our colleagues agree, to prepare legislation on the lines suggested in C. P. (55) 138.

25th October, 1955.

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J.S. D.E.

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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

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