§ MR. FENWICK (Northumberland, Wansbeck)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether, in the interests of the public and the staff, he will consider the advisability of enforcing the retirement of telegraph officials at the age of sixty years; and whether he will grant a Return showing the number of men retained after that age in the Telegraph Department, with the reasons that made an extension of time necessary.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI do not consider it advisable to alter the present practice regarding the retirement of telegraph (or other) officials at the age of sixty years. The rule at present is that all pensionable officers, of whatever grade, whose conduct, capacity and efficiency fall below a fair standard, shall be called upon to retire at sixty; but retirement at sixty is not enforced in the case of officers whose conduct is good and who are certified by their superior officers as thoroughly effic[...]ent. On this explanation perhaps the hon. Member will consider a Return such as he asks for unnecessary.