Written question asked by Martin Smyth (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 16 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 March 2005. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 21 March 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the likely effects of the proposed new NHS pension arrangements on levels of early retirement in advance of the deadline for transfer to the new scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Rev. Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the likely effects of the proposed new NHS pension arrangements on levels of early retirement in advance of the deadline for transfer to the new scheme; and if he will make a statement. [223062] Mr. Hutton: The NHS Confederation is currently consulting scheme members and other interested parties on proposals for changes to the NHS Pension Scheme for England and Wales. Consultation closes on 11 April. Ministers will make decisions on changes to the scheme following consultation, taking full account of the responses received and of the likely impact of changes on the recruitment and retention of high quality and motivated staff.

Secondary information