Written question asked by Julie Morgan (Labour) on Friday, 17 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 July 1998. It was answered by Win Griffiths (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 July 1998 on behalf of the Welsh Office.

Welsh Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many NHS employees in Wales have retired early on health grounds in each of the last five years. - Will write with available figures.

Answer: Ms Julie Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many NHS employees in Wales have retired early on health grounds in each of the last five years. [51584] Mr. Win Griffiths: This information is kept by the NHS Pensions Agency but not in the form requested. Information on retirements of all types has been kept on a geographical basis only since April 1997. The figures prior to that date could be obtained only at disproportionate costs and, because of changes to Health Authorities and NHS trusts within that time the Agency could not guarantee their accuracy. In addition, not all NHS employees are in the NHS Pension Scheme and no data are held centrally for these staff. However, I will write to the hon. Member setting out the information from April 1997 as soon as possible, and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

Secondary information