§ MR. H. R. GRAHAM (St. Pancras, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the fact that their are eight members of the clerical staff in Her Majesty's prisons (England and Wales) above the age of 60 years, the average of their ages being 64 years, with an average length of service of 40 years; if so, why these officers are not superannuated under the terms of the Treasury Minute, dated 12th December 1890, founded on the Order in Council dated 15th August 1890; and, whether these officers are physically fit to perform their arduous duties as prison officials?
§ MR. ASQUITHAs a matter of fact there are 12 members of the clerical staff of Her Majesty's prisons above the age of 60 years, and not eight as stated by the hon. Member. They do not come under the terms of the Treasury Minute or the Order in Council referred to, as they do not draw salaries in excess of 165 those of the Second Division. The only exception is the Storekeeper at Pentonville Prison, and he, having been appointed by the late prison authorities and transferred under the Prisons Act 1877, holds his office by virtue of Section 35 of that Act upon the same terms as before, and is not affected by the Order in Council. None of these gentlemen are reported as being physically unfit to perform their duties.