HC Deb 23 March 1893 vol 10 cc864-5
Mr. HANBURY (Preston)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury what Departments are considered by the Treasury as being exempt from the rule applicable to the rest of the Civil Service requiring compulsory retirement at the age of 65 years; and on what special grounds such exemption is allowed in each of these Departments?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

The Treasury considers that the Order in Council extends to all permanent officers of the Civil Service, above the Second Division, whatever the Department in which they are serving. Whether officers of the Supreme Courts of the three countries are technically within this definition is open to some doubt, but the Lord Chancellor of England accepts the general principles of the Order, and is considering means by which effect can best be given to them in the Legal Departments. The Presidents and Professors of the Queen's Colleges in Ireland have submitted reasons for holding that they are not affected by the Order, but the Treasury as at present advised is unable to accept the contention. No other claims to exemption remain unsettled so far as I am aware.

MR. HANBURY

Does the right hon. Gentleman include all the Departments included in the Civil Service Estimates?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

Yes, except those indicated in my answer.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)

Does it include the case of the Irish Fishery Inspectors?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

They are in the same position as other Civil servants.

MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

Will the 65 years' Rule apply to the Treasury Bench?

SIR J. T. HIBBERT

It applies to the Treasury, but I need hardly say not to the Treasury Bench.