§ 19. Mr. Gammansasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that in spite of the worsening of the manpower position it is possible for his Departmental heads to refuse to grant to a healthy and efficient officer an extension of service after the normal retiring age of 60 and to deny any officer so treated the right of appeal to the Postmaster-General; and if he will make a statement on this matter.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe Post Office, following general Civil Service practice, retains fully fit and efficient officers who wish to stay after 60, provided retention is in the interests of the service. For all but the most senior grades the final decision is devolved on the regional directors or heads of Departments.
§ Mr. GammansDoes that mean that the man himself has no appeal to the Postmaster-General, and will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Post Office really wants men to stay on after the age of 60?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsAll employees of the Post Office have a right of appeal to the Postmaster-General in any circumstances. In many areas we certainly do want men to stay on. In other areas, where we have a surfeit, it causes dissatisfaction among the staff if staying on holds back promotion.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonIf such appeals are made to the Postmaster-General, will he deal with them personally or will they be dealt with by an underling?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThey are seen either by myself or the Assistant Postmaster-General.