7.—(1) For the purposes of this scheme “qualifying service” means the number of calendar days from the first day of paid service to the last day of paid service, but excluding the following periods—
(a)absence without leave;
(b)service detention;
(c)imprisonment;
(d)unpaid leave.
(2) Periods of qualifying service separated by 5 years or less are to be aggregated for the purposes of this scheme.
(3) Periods of qualifying service separated by more than 5 years cannot be aggregated for the purposes of this scheme.