HC Deb 06 December 1949 vol 470 cc1683-4
7. Mr. Austin

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that his Appointments Office issues advertisements relating to quasi-Governmental positions, in which age limits from 28 to 45 years are stipulated; and whether, in view of the need for conserving the nation's resources in the effective use of manpower, he will issue an instruction forbidding the issue of restricted advertisements of this nature other than in the most exceptional circumstances.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

I have reviewed all advertisements prepared by my Appointments Department in the last three months on behalf of the bodies which my hon. Friend no doubt has in mind, and in no case was an age limit mentioned. Advertisements issued directly by these bodies are not my responsibility.

Mr. Austin

While these advertisements are not the direct responsibility of the Minister, is he aware that he can set a good example to industry in this matter by refusing to issue restrictive advertisements; and does he realise that the prospects of good, decent. honest citizens are prejudiced because they are over 45 years of age?

Mr. Isaacs

The only material point to be answered in that question is that the Government are not issuing restrictive advertisements.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Has the right hon. Gentleman discussed this matter with his right hon. Friends controlling the nationalised industries?

Mr. Isaacs

No, Sir, not recently, but some time back we did so, and in cases where a limit of that sort had been placed, it has been removed. The Appointments Department of the Ministry endeavour to induce employers to take people over the age of that stated in the employers' advertisements, and they have been successful in so doing.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Minister aware that one Socialist Minister was sacked under this principle during the period of this Government?

Mr. Isaacs

I should like notice of that question.