54Category A and Category B retirement pensions: supplemental provisions
(1)Regulations may provide that in the case of a person of any prescribed description who—
(a)has become entitled to a Category A or Category B retirement pension but is, in the case of a woman, under the age of 65 or, in the case of a man, under the age of 70; and
(b)elects in such manner and in accordance with such conditions as may be prescribed that the regulations shall apply in his case,
this Part of this Act shall have effect as if that person had not become entitled to such a retirement pension.
(2)Regulations under subsection (1) above may make such modifications of the provisions of this Part of this Act, or of those of Part II of the Administration Act as those provisions apply in a case where a person makes an election under the regulations, as may appear to the Secretary of State necessary or expedient.
(3)Where a husband and wife have both become entitled to retirement pensions and—
(a)the husband’s pension is Category A; and
(b)the wife’s pension is—
(i)Category B by virtue of that husband’s contributions, or
(ii)Category A with an increase under section 53(2) above by virtue of that husband’s contributions,
the husband shall not be entitled to make an election in accordance with regulations made under subsection (1) above without the consent of the wife, unless that consent is unreasonably withheld.
(4)In any case where—
(a)a person claims a Category A or Category B retirement pension; and
(b)the date specified in the claim as the date on which entitlement to the pension is to commence falls after the date when the claim was made,
such a pension may be awarded as from the date so specified but, if so awarded, shall be conditional on the person’s not ceasing to be entitled to the pension in consequence of any election under subsection (1) above.