§ 30. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that many supervising officers in Northern Ireland are being retained beyond the normal retiring age although there are officers below retiring age capable of performing the duties; that these retentions increase unemployment, impede promotion, the absorption of boy messengers, and the creation of full-time posts for auxiliary postmen; and whether he will reduce the number of retentions?
§ Sir K. WOODThe hon. Member would appear to have been misinformed. There is at the present time only one Supervising Officer in the Post Office in Northern Ireland above 60 years of age.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether this officer is due to retire, and, if so, why he is kept on?
§ Sir K. WOODMy hon. Friend had better put that question on the paper?