§ 71. Mr. Odeyasked the Minister of Local Government and Planning whether, in the case of local government officials 35 whose services have been transferred to the National Health Service, he will use his power of sanction under the proviso to Section 228 (1) of the Local Government Act, 1933, to enable the county councils to pay a transfer value to count service under the Local Government Superannuation Act, 1937, as service under the National Health Service (Superannuation) Regulations, 1950.
§ Mr. LindgrenThese regulations already provide for the reckoning of previous service and for the payment of a transfer value by the local authority where a person enters the Health Service from local government. My right hon. Friend does not know of any circumstances in which special sanction for such a payment is called for.
§ Mr. OdeyWill the Minister bear in mind that a very grave injustice was done to a large number of local government officials who lost their superannuation rights when their services were transferred to the national service without any option on their part?
§ Mr. LindgrenWithout having an actual case, it is very difficult to be definite about the matter, but I would say that the statement is incorrect. The Acts and the regulations provide that where a person enters the Health Service within one year of leaving local government service, the transfer is automatic and that the local authorities pay over the transfer value.
§ Mr. OdeyIf I forward the hon. Gentleman particulars of a specific case, can this whole matter be reconsidered?
§ Mr. LindgrenYes, Sir.