Written question asked by Mark Todd (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 December 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 December 2001. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 December 2001 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what actuarial assessment has been made of the shortfall in the Astra Group pension scheme; and if she will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what actuarial assessment has been made of the shortfall in the Astra Group pension scheme; and if she will make a statement. [21416] Mr. Ivan Lewis: The latest actuarial valuation of the Astra Group Pension Scheme was by William M Mercer in April 2001. My understanding is that it showed that at the due date of valuation of 30 April 2000, had the winding-up of the scheme been completed, it would have been in deficit by £10.72 million. However, the completion of the winding-up is still some time away and only when this process is complete will the extent of any deficit be known. This matter is entirely in the hands of Astra's administrators. The actuary (William M Mercer) has recommended that the next actuarial valuation be carried out with an effective date no later than 30 April 2003.

Secondary information