HC Deb 18 March 1919 vol 113 cc1903-4
60. Mr. WILLIAM COOTE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury proposes to sanction the enforced retirement on pension of a number of Civil servants of admitted efficiency and physical ability who have not yet reached the age limit fixed by Act of Parliament; and, if so, what reasons exist for burdening the country at this time with these pensions?

Mr. BALDWIN (Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury)

I would refer the hon. Member to the second part of my answer of the 25th ultimo to the hon. Member for Ealing.

110. Mr. COOTE

asked the Postmaster-General whether extensive notice of compulsory retirement has been given in his Department to officers whose ability and efficiency are certified to be in every respect satisfactory, and who have not yet reached the age limit fixed by Act of Parliament; and, if so, what urgent reasons exist for throwing such additonal charge on the public funds by way of pensions and retiring allowances?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Illingworth)

In the exercise of my powers under the Order in Council of 10th January, 1910, I have called upon a number of officers over sixty years of age to retire this year. Those officers would generally have been called upon to retire sooner but for the conditions arising out of the War, and their retention has affected the prospects of junior officers whose services in the last four years have been of much value. I do not think it consistent with the public interest to prolong this situation.