§ 35. Mr. STEPHENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that prison officers are being compelled to retire at the age of 55 though they may apply to be allowed to continue their service; and whether this retiral age of 55 is apart from the physical fitness of the officer concerned?
§ Sir J. GIlMOURUnder the Superannuation (Prison Officers) Act, 1919, as applied by administrative Order, subordinate prison officers in Scotland are able to retire with a pension at the age of 55. This privilege carries with it the corresponding liability to be called on to retire by the head of the Department at any time after reaching the pensionable age of 55. The case of each subordinate officer is accordingly reviewed by the Prison Commissioners for Scotland when he reaches the age of 55 and periodically thereafter, and a decision is taken as to whether, in the interests of the service, the officer's services should be continued. The physical fitness of an officer is an important, but not the only, consideration.
§ Mr. STEPHENMay I take it from the right hon. Gentleman that there is no general rule made by his Department compelling retirement at the age of 55, and that each case is decided separately?
§ Sir J. GILMOUREach case is considered on its merits.