§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations she has had from University Superannuation Scheme Ltd. regarding the transferral of pension arrangements for nursing training staff from her Department and the increase in employer contributions that will arise as a result of this transferral;
(2) what arrangements have been made as a result of the changes to pension/retirement arrangements for nursing training staff to safeguard the rights under the former NHS pension arrangements for (a) ill health (b) early retirement on grounds other than that of ill health and (c) for those with over 20 years' service to have their pension calculated at double rate.
§ Mr. MaloneDiscussions are being held between the relevant pension scheme providers, with a view to establishing a basis on which broadly comparable pension arrangements can be made available to nurse training staff who transfer from colleges of health into the higher education sector.