§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many senior officers in the Departments of Industry and Trade who reached their 61st birthday during 1980 were condidered tit for retention for a further year: how many who reached their 62nd birthday in 1980 were so considered fit: and in each case, what proportion these numbers represented of those seeking to remain in service at that age.
§ Viscount TrenchardRetention beyond 60 for senior civil servants is exceptional. In 1980 one senior officer reached his 61st birthday and was considered fit for retention for a further year. One other senior officer reached his 62nd birthday and was also considered fit for retention. "Senior officer" is taken to include grades at assistant secretary level and above for the purpose of this Answer.