§ 30. Mr. Teelingasked the Minister of Health how many National Health Service doctors are still in practice who were over 61 years of age when the National Health Service Act came into practice; why they were not allowed to come into a pension scheme; and whether he will consider making some financial arrangement for them so that they can retire more easily.
§ Mr. TurtonAbout 800 on 1st January this year. These doctors cannot satisfy the ten-year qualifying period for a pension. Those with five years' service may, however, qualify for a lump sum retiring allowance. Under the Regulations I have no power to do anything for those with less.