§ 38. Mr. A. R. W. Lowasked the Minister of National Insurance why executive officers in her Department are compulsorily retired when they reach the age of 60 years.
§ Dr. SummerskillThere is no such general rule in my Department. Officers are retained beyond the age of 60 if their services are needed and they are fully fit and efficient for the general duties of their grade and are willing to serve where required.
§ Mr. LowWill the Minister look into cases which have occurred in Blackpool—where she has an office—where persons have been told there is a rule in operation that they must retire at the age of 60?
§ Dr. SummerskillI think the hon. Gentleman is misinformed. He will know that the office is being closed in Black-pool and transferred to Newcastle. I think there were eight cases of people over 60 who asked to go to towns in the South. We were unable to send them there and, in the circumstances, we thought it better to give them their pension.