Alternative pension plans

The solution to the crisis of future pension provision appears to be an exhortation to save more for retiral, or to prepare to remain in work until at least age 70. I have not seen any reasoned debate on the other possibility of encouraging an increase in the birth rate. I therefore wonder if it is politically incorrect to promote more births when there appears to be too many young mouths in this world to feed, or if there is some other hidden danger in adopting such a policy.

The Roman Catholic Church in Scotland might well have the right idea when it encourages its members to have more children. I am not sure the reason for such encouragement should be simply so Catholics match immigrants and those of other faiths, child for child. Surely the Catholic Church should make this plea in the context of loving family relationships, rather than in promoting a womb war, or in an attempt to reduce the effects of the demographic time bomb which will hit pensions within the next 50 years?

SANDY GEMMILL

Mertoun Place

Edinburgh

Brian Ferrier and Alastair McCulloch (Letters, 15 October) are right to draw attention to the disparity between public and private pensions. However, the situation is worse than they think. Scottish Borders Council is in the process of giving early retirement to many of its senior officers. They are not redundant; most if not all will be replaced.

Each one is to be credited with the years of service they have yet to serve. This is costing council-tax payers millions of pounds.

The council claims it is common practice in public service. The Scottish Executive should stop this abuse now.

BRYAN WEBSTER

Houndlaw Park

Eyemouth, Berwickshire