§ 26. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that first-class skilled engineers at the Royal Naval torpedo factory at Greenock are being paid off at the age of 65; that this fact is the cause of much criticism; and whether he will take steps to ensure that, during the war emergency, the services of these skilled engineers will be retained in the public interest?
Captain HudsonLocal officers have been authorised to retain unestablished men at their discretion beyond the age of 65 during the present emergency without reference to the Admiralty. As regards established workmen the Order-in-Council regulating the retirement of established civil servants provides for compulsory retirement at 65, but empowers the Treasury in special cases to extend employment for a further period not exceeding five years. Alternatively, established employés may be retired at 65 but reentered on a temporary basis, if the local officers consider them fit for service and the men themselves are willing to remain.
In all suitable cases advantage will continue to be taken of these facilities to retain the services of men over 65.