HC Deb 10 September 1942 vol 383 cc268-9
7. Sir Irving Albery

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to an advertisement by the British Council for a representative in Mauritius between the ages of 35 and 50; and in what way it is in the national interest that appointments of this kind should be reserved for men of approximately military age to the exclusion of older men, amongst whom it should be possible to find a suitable candidate?

Mr. Bevin

I understand that although in the advertisement to which my hon. Friend refers, the British Council mentioned an upper age limit of 50, they are prepared to consider any applications submitted to them, in particular by ex-officers, without regard to age. Apart from the advertisement the Council are in touch with the Appointments Department of my Ministry and with other organisations concerned with the employment of ex-officers with a view to finding a suitable person for this post.

Sir I. Albery

In that case will my right hon. Friend discourage the putting of such age limits into advertisements?

Mr. Bevin

Yes, I have already done so.

Miss Rathbone

Will my right hon. Friend consider whether the British Council cannot be encouraged to consider the claims of women for these posts? There are many women who might be suitable for the work of extending British culture in Mauritius.