Written question asked by Martin Smyth (Ulster Unionist Party) on Thursday, 10 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 March 2005. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Thursday, 17 March 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether locum doctors in Northern Ireland are able to join the Health and Personal Social Services superannuation scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Rev. Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether locum doctors in Northern Ireland are able to join the Health and Personal Social Services superannuation scheme; and if he will make a statement. [221518] Angela Smith: The National Health Service (NHS) Pension regulations were amended in England, Wales and Scotland in 2002 and 2003 respectively to permit access to the NHS Pension Schemes in England, Wales and Scotland to freelance locums on a new supplementary list. Those regulations had to be further amended to permit access to GP locums. The regulations in England and Wales are now being amended again to take account of the new medical performers list, which incorporates the supplementary list. In Northern Ireland, the prior approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel will be required before the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety can proceed to amend the HPSS Superannuation Regulations to cover both backdated and future scheme membership for freelance and GP locums who are registered on the performers list. This approval is currently being sought.

Secondary information