asked the Minister for Finance if the actuarial investigation into Civil Service superannuation has yet been commenced, and if he will state the approximate date upon which the investigation will have been completed.

Arrangements for the conduct of the investigation referred to were concluded with the actuary in August last and the matter is now in train. It is not possible at this stage to indicate, even approximately, the date upon which the investigation will have been completed.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that, pending the result of this investigation, certain retired clerical officers are starving on pensions of less than £1 a week, owing to the fact that the Minister is not prepared to use the power he already possesses to allow their temporary service to count for pension purposes?

I am not so aware.