79. Mr. S. BENNasked the Postmaster-General if Civil servants who have completed their term of service, and by their contract are entitled to retire, are bound to continue serving when asked to do so on patriotic grounds or are punished for deciding contrary to the wishes of the Postmaster-General by not being recommended for the Imperial service medal awarded for good and long service already performed?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Illingworth)In view of the need for men at the present time, Civil servants of sixty years of age whose efficiency and health are unimpaired, are requested to postpone their retirement. I do not recommend for the Imperial service medal any officer who is capable of rendering further service, but insists on retiring during the War contrary to the express wish of the Government.