HC Deb 16 March 2004 vol 419 cc257-8W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) which NHS health trusts have a policy of compulsory retirement at 65 years; and if he will make a statement; [157392]

(2)what his policy is on enforced retirement of health service employees on account of age.[160609]

Angela Smith

None of the Health and Social Services Trusts in Northern Ireland operates a policy of compulsory retirement at 65 years. However, most HPSS employment contracts stipulate 65 years as the normal retirement age.

This does not preclude staff from working beyond the normal retirement age in the interests of service provision and at the discretion of the Trust. Individuals

number of items seized
Description of items 1998–99 1999–2000 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04
Music CDs/cassettes/MP3 3,902 11,126 29,564 63,250 80,500
Video tapes/DVDs/VCDs 3,092 4,424 28,795 28,680 40,000
Clothing 5,518 5,116 22,489 27,370 35,000
Electronic Games 51,090 28,000 36,850 15,000
Watches Perfume/Sunglasses 136 280 5,560 1,200 500
Computer and associated equipment Video recorders/copiers 16 50 178 150 350
Computer software 9,380 5,000
Power tools 2,500 1,000
Drink 30,000

Mr. Dodds

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what resources -are available to(a) the police in Northern Ireland and (b) other agencies to tackle the problem of counterfeit crime in Northern Ireland. [159551]

Jane Kennedy

It is not possible to distill out the amount of resources specifically expended on tackling Intellectual Property Crime (IPC) throughout Northern Ireland. Confronting IPC is a priority for the Northern Ireland Organised Crime Task Force and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) take lead responsibility. The budget available to PSNI for 2003–04 is £707.7 million.

wishing to continue to work after age 65 years must be both mentally and physically able to carry out the full duties of the post.