§ 13. Mr. D. J. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that some employers are terminating the employment of men who reach the age of 65 years, even though these men are efficient at their jobs and are anxious to remain in industry; and whether, in view of the shortage of manpower, he proposes to take any action in the matter.
§ Mr. IsaacsI would certainly deprecate the discharge of efficient workers for no other reason than that they have reached a particular age, and I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to paragraph 124 of the Economic Survey for 1947.
§ Mr. WilliamsAs well as asking workers to stay in industry, will my right hon. Friend also appeal to employers to allow them to stay?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir, that has been done with very successful results.
§ Mr. Harold DaviesIs my right hon. Friend aware that this seems to be taking place in some Government Departments, where workers are in productive industry? I have had letters to that effect.
§ Mr. IsaacsI am grateful for the information which my hon. Friend has given to me.
§ Major BruceWill my right hon. Friend get into touch with the First Lord of the Admiralty, with a view to avoiding automatic discharges from the Royal Dockyards at the retiring age of 65?
§ Mr. IsaacsI think that it would be more direct if my hon. and gallant Friend put a Question to my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty.
§ Mr. ParkinIs my right hon. Friend aware that this also appears to be taking place in the barber's shop of the House of Commons?