§ Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will introduce improved arrangements 147W to entitle doctors, and other professional staff employed by health authorities to retire before the normal retirement age of 65 years.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIt is a condition of employment of doctors that they may continue in employment to age 65 and, in certain circumstances, beyond that. They and other NHS staff may retire at age 60, with the pension benefits earned to that time, if they so choose. We have no proposals to amend those arrangements.
So far as premature retirement with enhanced benefits is concerned, we do not propose improving the existing very generous compensation terms which are available in certain defined circumstances in which the Service can benefit from offering them.