Written question asked by Annabelle Ewing (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 23 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 January 2002. It was answered by Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 January 2002 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the Answer of the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the honourable Member for Oxford East, Official Report, 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. - (Holding answer 28 January 2002).

Answer: 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.

Secondary information