asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has reviewed the case of Mr. C. A. Bentley, a former teacher, with regard to his right to an increased pension; and whether he will make a statement.

I have reviewed Mr. Bentley's case and I am satisfied that his pension was correctly assessed under the Teachers (Superannuation) Acts. In particular, I cannot accept Mr. Bentley's claim that his service at Reading from 1939–1940 ought to be counted as full-time service and pensionable, since it is clear that he was engaged and paid by the L.C.C. as a part-time teacher.

I am grateful to my right hon. and learned Friend not only for that Answer, but for the deep personal interest which he has taken in this case. Would he not agree that this matter has been going on for a large number of years and that the decision which he has made must be accepted by Mr. Bentley as final?

I am afraid that it must. As my hon. Friend has said, this decision has been taken repeatedly by every Minister of Education since the late Mr. Tomlinson.