asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether chief administrative officers to local health authorities are included in the categories of officers who will be permitted to retire on enhanced terms before normal retiring age between 1st April 1974 and 31st March 1975.

Chief administrative officers to local health authorities are not included in the categories specified in the regulations which will shortly be laid before the House, but their position is under consideration and amending regulations will be made if it is agreed to include them.