§ Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many requests for information the NHS superannuation scheme has received from pension providers undertaking reviews of pension transfers and opt-outs; in how many cases all appropriate information has338W been supplied; what is the average length of time taken to supply such information; and what moratorium has been introduced on supplying such information. [3347]
§ Mr. HoramResponsibility for this matter has been delegated to the NHS Pensions Agency under its chief executive, Mr. A. F. Cowan. I have asked him to reply to the hon. Member.
Letter from A. F. Cowan to Mr. John Denham, dated 14 November 1996:
I am replying to the questions you have raised about requests from pension providers who are undertaking reviews of pension transfers and opt outs involving NHS employees.This Agency has received 14,300 requests for information concerning NHS employees. We have received an additional 1,200 where there is no dispute about restitution of service. We have returned 575 questionnaires and provided 200 reinstatement costs calculations; 89 cases proceeded to actual reinstatement.Because the Agency depends on NHS employers for up to date payroll data it can take between 3 to 8 weeks to complete questionnaires.There is no formal moratorium in supplying information to pension providers. Cases are being dealt with on an ad hoc basis but in common with other public service schemes we have had to take special powers to resource the work. The legislation was made on 14 October 1996. We expect to commence systematic clearance of questionnaires in the next few weeks.If you require any further information, please let me know.