To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what her reasons were for replacing departmental Guidance 2004 (FSC 30/2004) on the ill-health retirement provision in the firefighters pension scheme with CLG Revised Guidance 2006 (FPS Circular 11/2006); and if she will make a statement. (182051)

The 2006 Guidance reminded fire and rescue authorities informally that the test for eligibility for an ill-health pension is permanent disablement for firefighting and for performing other duties appropriate to the role. It was issued because it was clear that some authorities were still applying the pre-September 2004 test which was limited to permanent disablement for firefighting.