§ 58. Mr. Viantasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the first Commissioner of Works, whether he will reconsider the practice at present adopted by his Department, namely, the discharge of men when they reach the age of 65 years, as the old age pension of 10s. per week is quite inadequate for their maintenance and many of them, despite their age, are quite capable of rendering efficient service?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. R. S. Hudson) (for the First Commissioner of Works)The regulation which provides that members of the industrial staff of the Office of Works shall normally retire on attaining the age of 65 years, was introduced by agreement on the Whitley Council with the employ6s' trade union representatives, and my Noble Friend does not consider that there is justification for reconsidering the matter.
§ 59. Mr. Viantasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he has come to a decision as regards the inauguration of a pension scheme for those engaged on maintenance and constructional work in connection with his Department?
§ Mr. HudsonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield (Mr. Bull) on 22nd March last.