§ MR. J. O'CONNORI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether any, and, if so, what modification has been made in the Order issued in November, 1896, regarding the compulsory retirement of all Civil servants at the age of 60, without distinction of class or wages; and are postmen and inspectors of postmen compelled to retire either on attaining 60 years of age or completing 40 years' service?
§ MR. HANBURYThe Order to which I understand the honourable Member to refer was to the effect that—
All pensionable officers of whatever grade whose conduct, capacity, or efficiency falls below a fair standard shall be called upon to retire at 60; but that all officers of 60 years of age whose conduct is good and who are certified by their superior officers as thoroughly efficient, shall be allowed to remain until they have completed 40 years of service, and in special cases, with the approval of the Postmaster General, till they have attained the age of 65 years. Retirement at 65 will be compulsory, irrespective of the service for pension which an officer may have completed, except in the rare instances provided for by the Order in Council now in force. Officers not entitled to pension will not be called upon to retire so long as they are able efficiently to discharge their duties.There has been no modification of the Order issued in November, 1896. Postmen and inspectors of postmen fall under the provisions of the Order, and are compelled to retire, either at 60 years of age or on completing 40 years' service, unless for special reasons the Postmaster General sees fit to retain them in the service, in accordance with the rules laid down in the Circular.