HC Deb 20 July 1937 vol 326 cc1959-60
32. Mr. Markham

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now make a statement concerning the employment of men over 45 years of age in Government factories; and whether he will press for the abolition of any restrictive regulations concerning their recruitment?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

There has been no change of policy since the hon. Member was informed in reply to a question on 13th April last, that discretion is already given to heads of establishments to engage men over 45 years of age.

Mr. Markham

Do I understand from that answer that the Minister will not press for a modification of the Superannuation Acts which do limit the employment of men over 45 in these factories; and can he say whether that veto has been dispensed with or not?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

A man must have 15 years' service before he gets a gratuity, and I do not understand in what respect the hon. Gentleman would desire that to be modified.

Mr. Paling

Is it not very difficult for men over 45 to get jobs, because employers will not employ them over that age, and should not the Government set a better example?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I think I have shown that they are setting a better example.

Mr. Lawson

Is the right hon. Gentleman's discretion being exercised in this matter in the case of the Special Areas, where many men over 45 are being debarred from employment in this way, including a large number of ex-service men?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

If the hon. Gentleman has any facts which he desires to bring to my attention I shall examine them with the utmost sympathy, but I am not aware of any cases such as he appears to have in mind.

Mr. Markham

Is it not a fact that in the Nottingham gun factory where this regulation is supposed to have been suspended, only one man in ten taken on has been over 45; and seeing that the present Superannuation Acts are definitely antipathetic to ex-service men in this respect, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter further?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

If the hon. Gentleman wishes to bring any particular case to my notice, I shall look into it, but those responsible for this work must have regard for efficiency, and there is nothing in the regulations which prevents a man over 45 being employed.

Mr. Markham

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter at the first opportunity.

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