§ 19. Mr. Gordon Macdonaldasked the Minister of Supply the number of persons over 50 years of age that have been found employment at the Royal Ordnance Factory at Euxton, Chorley, Lancashire, since 3rd September, 1939?
§ Colonel LlewellinAlthough in time of war it would not be in the public interest to give such figures as would indicate the total number of persons employed at a particular ordnance factory, the answer to the hon. Member's Question is that between 3rd September and 31st December, 1939, the number of employes taken into Ministry of Supply employment at the Royal Ordnance Factory at Chorley at ages over 50 was 563.
§ Mr. MacdonaldIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in this area there are thousands of able-bodied men over 50 who are unemployed because of the closing of mines, and will he reconsider the position, do away with the age limit and make fitness the only test?
§ Colonel LlewellinI took it that the 563 were not subject to an age limit of 50. We have taken in 563 fit men over 50 116 who, we thought, were capable of performing our work.
§ Mr. MacdonaldIs it true that the age has been raised from 50 to 52 and that that is the reason why these men have been taken in; and will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider removing any age limit and making fitness the only test?
§ Colonel LlewellinI will certainly look into that matter.