§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will amend the local government superannuation regulations so as to provide that employees of local authorities seeking early retirement on medical grounds have access to an independent medical examination.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyDecisions about the retirement of employees currently in post are a matter for the employing authority and do not come within the scope of the superannuation regulations. A retired employee who believes that he or she should have been granted additional benefits on account of retirement on grounds of ill health would however have a right of appeal to my right. hon. Friend under the regulations. Such appeals are determined by reference to independent medical advice.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on the operation by Gedling borough council of those parts of the local government superannuation regulations which relate to medical examination of those seeking early retirement on health grounds as they relate to Mrs. Elizabeth Laurence.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyI have received no representations relating to the case of Mrs. Elizabeth Laurence.