§ 22. Sir H. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to enable unemployed persons over 50 to have greater opportunity of employment in both public and private service.
Mr. LeeI and my Department are with the full support of the National Joint Advisory Council, taking every opportunity to urge the employment of older workers as far as possible. So far as the Government service is concerned, there is no age limit of 50, and workers over that age who are suitable are accepted.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs it not the case that at the age of 65 all established civil servants are forced to retire, and does not the hon. Gentleman think that the time has come, in view of the ageing population, when this antiquated practice should be reviewed?
Mr. LeeWe have an Adjournment debate on this subject tonight, and we shall value the opinions of the hon. Gentleman.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWill the hon. Gentleman answer my question?
§ Captain RyderIs it not a fact that when civil servants retire on pension they are restricted in the amount which they are permitted to earn, which discourages them from taking other employment, and will the Parliamentary Secretary consult his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this matter?
Mr. LeeI gave a full answer in the Adjournment debate on 19th July last on the question of employees in Government service, and I think that if the hon. and gallant Member will look at the report of the debate, he will find that the Government's record compares very favourably indeed with that of private industry.