(1) In this section "specified age", in relation to a Scheme member, means, subject to any order under subsection (3), the age of 55 years.

(2) Where -

(a) a Scheme member, having completed the vesting period, resigns from the public service and on the date on which that resignation has effect he or she has not attained the normal pension age but has attained or will have attained on that date the specified age, and

(b) before the date on which that resignation has effect the Scheme member had applied in writing to the relevant authority responsible for paying the pension and lump sum to have his or her pension and lump sum benefits paid with effect from that date, and

(c) the relevant authority for the public service body where the Scheme member is serving agrees to those benefits being so paid,