Finance Minister Eugene Cox assured Parliament that companies who did not pass on their workers' pension contributions were being hunted by Government.

He gave the assurance during a debate on the Contributory Pensions Amendment Act 2002 in the House of Assembly, the purpose of which was to change the title of the post of Insurance Officer to Director of Social Insurance.

Mr. Cox said the change in the name of the title of the post followed a review and re-organisation of the Social Insurance Department.

He said: “Honourable members are advised that as a result of the review, the Government is proposing to rename the title of Insurance Officers to Director of Social Insurance to more properly reflect the current functions and responsibilities of the position.

“Under the direction of the director, staff will be cross-trained in all aspects of the Department's operations and career paths will be established.

“In addition, greater emphasis will be placed on the collection of outstanding Contributory Pension payments from employers.”

Opposition leader Dr. Gibbons said he had no problems with the “housekeeping matters” and urged Government to chase up those delinquent companies who failed to pass on pension contributions from their workers.

Mr. Cox said the matter was being “pursued rather vigorously”.

The amendment was agreed.

Also agreed on Friday in Parliament was an amendment to the Hospital Insurance Act 2002.

The amendment changed the title of the post of Insurance Officer to Director of Social Insurance, and extended payment of subsidy for hospital treatment outside of Bermuda in respect of people over 75 years of age.