4.—(1) A man who has become entitled to payment of retiring allowances may not make an election under paragraph 2 or 3.
(2) An election under paragraph 2 or 3 must–
(a)be made by giving written notice to the Secretary of State within the period specified in sub-paragraphs (3) to (5);
(b)specify the period in respect of which it is made; and
(c)specify the rate at which family benefit contributions are to be paid, which must comply with paragraph 13(2) and (3),
and has effect from the date on which the notice is received by the Secretary of State, and, except as provided in paragraph 13(4), is irrevocable.
(3) Subject to sub-paragraph (4), a man may only make an election under paragraph 2 or 3 within 6 months after–
(a)his marriage while in pensionable employment; or
(b)his returning to pensionable employment after becoming married while not in such employment; or
(c)where he is a person who was not continuously employed in pensionable employment for a period of 6 months during either of the periods mentioned in sub-paragraph (4)(a) or (b) and ceases to be employed within 6 months of his returning to such employment, his returning again to such employment; or
(d)his nomination of a beneficiary under regulation E22,
whichever occurs first.
(4) An election under paragraph 2 or 3 may be made by–
(a)a member who was not continuously employed in pensionable employment for 6 months or more after 31st October 1974 and before 31st July 1977; or
(b)a non-member who was not continuously in such employment for 6 months or more after 8th January 1974 and before 1st August 1977,
only within 6 months after returning to pensionable employment.
(5) A woman may only make an election under paragraph 3 within 6 months after nominating a beneficiary.