HC Deb 29 January 2003 vol 398 c891W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions are taking place about the future pension situation for HPA employees after 1 April; and when he expects these to be concluded. [90052]

Ms Blears

The intention is for transferring staff to be able to retain membership of their existing pension scheme. As a special health authority, the Health Protection Agency will be able to admit existing and new staff to the NHS occupational pension scheme.

The current Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 statutory regulations do not cover occupational pension schemes. If for any reason it were not possible for individuals to retain their membership of their existing pension scheme, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that staff retain broadly comparable pension arrangements in the future. Advice is being sought from the Government Actuary's Department and if appropriate to seek a certificate of comparability.