§ MR. STEADMAN (Finsbury, Central)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that several inspectors and other supervisors of the Circulation Office are being retained beyond the age of sixty; and whether, in view of the stagnation of promotion prospects of a number of sorters attached to this office, who are already over forty years of age, with established service of from twenty to thirty years, he will consider the advisability of retiring these supervising officers as soon as possible.
§ (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) I am aware that several supervising officers 855 in the Circulation Office are being retained in the service beyond the age of sixty. The rule at present is that all pensionable officers, of whatever grade, who are not thoroughly efficient 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 thoroughly efficient. I should not feel justified in accelerating the retirement of efficient officers solely in order to create vacancies for others.